Things in this world are scary right now. This is something I have never in my forty years seen and never expected to see. Events cancelled, grocery shelves emptied, restaurants shutting down, schools cancelled, jobs closing, it’s crazy. Even churches are being told to stop holding services. In our state, we are told no gatherings over ten people. It has gotten serious.
But friend, let me remind you of one very important fact: this virus, this pandemic, it wasn’t a surprise to God.
He knew. Did He cause it? No. Could He have stopped it? Yes. Can He use it for His glory? Yes! This is a scary and trying time. But we don’t have to be fearful.
The world right now is a lot like the men in the boat in Matthew 8.
As He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him.
Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the
boat was being swamped by the waves — but Jesus
kept sleeping. So the disciples came and woke Him up,
saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!” He said to
them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then He
got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there
was a great calm. Matthew 8:23-26
The disciples were fearful. They had their focus on the storm, not on the one who calms the storm. Jesus reprimanded them for their lack of faith then calmed the storm.
Will He stop this virus? He can. But I think right now we need to focus on calming our hearts and minds. We need to put our focus back on Him and let Him calm us.
I’m not saying ignore health warnings. I’m not saying don’t be aware and safe. I’m saying be wise, not fearful. Be careful, but remember who holds this storm.
Use this time to enjoy your family, to teach your kids to pray for doctors and first responders, to teach your kids to be grateful for this who produce their food, to call an old friend or neighbor, to write some cards or letters, to play that board game, to put together a puzzle, to deep clean your home, there is so much good you can do during this time.
Don’t worry. Trust God. He is still in control.
It's time for Share A Link Wednesday! Each Wednesday we invite you to leave a link to your latest blog post in the comments. We still desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories.
May we use this time wisely, doing good and blessing others wherever we are able. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteMy post today: http://www.joanneviola.com/2020/03/inhale-spirit-exhale-flesh-2/
My prayer is that God will use this to draw people to Himself. I wrote about letting trials draw us to Him rather than away from Him: https://barbaraleeharper.com/2020/03/15/let-trouble-draw-you-nearer/.
ReplyDeleteThis is my approach to it. As I say in my latest post, God knew Rona was coming and he's still in control. Every promise in his word still stands. All I can do, all we can do is trust him and lean on his everlasting arms. He's got me and he's got you!
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ReplyDeleteIt's a great time for us to choose to be wise and not fearful!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.instaencouragements.com/blog/3-effective-ways-to-study-your-bible
Well put. I try to remind myself and those around me to keep their eyes on the cross and not the storm. This is no surprise to God and He will be glorified through it. I wrote this week on the effects of social media on marriage. I am just trying to write about something different than what is going on. I also realized that if we are spending more time in our homes, that means more time on social media. I want to protect our marriages during this troubled time.http://keepingthetiethatbinds.com/2020/03/18/the-effects-of-social-media-on-marriage/
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