This week I posted something on Instagram that a lot of people found helpful and asked if they could share with others. I felt prompted to share it here as well.
I can’t speak for all, but perhaps my perspective will give you some insight about what it’s like to try to lead a church during these times of the coronavirus pandemic. Our situation is different than some as in our home state we are still under strict shutdown due to the coronavirus with no real end in sight. To lead our flock responsibly while trying to carefully listen to and heed the leading of God’s Word and Spirit KNOWING that people are polarized between the scriptures that say we are to obey God rather than man, (Acts 5:29), and the scriptures that tell us to submit to those in authority over us, (Romans 13:1), is excruciatingly difficult. There is utmost concern for people’s physical safety as well as utmost concern that constitutional freedoms once relinquished may never be recovered. My greatest concern is that God’s people are focusing on the physical issues we see-the virus, the impact to our economy, the government over reach and are ignoring the spiritual battle going on over our state, nation and world. If we are not sensing the urgency to pray, then I am afraid that we have fallen asleep on the job.
- Please pray for your church leaders who feel a weighty burden to do what is right in God’s eyes. Pray that God will clearly lead them.
- Please pray for all who would use current events for their own political gain to be exposed no matter what party they are from.
- Please pray for our nation to wake up spiritually and to turn to God.
- Please pray over yourself-that you will come through this trying time having grown in maturity in your own walk with God-that the lessons to be learned during this time won’t be wasted.
Elizabeth, thank you for sharing your wisdom and perspective from the eyes of a pastor's wife. Much appreciated and I have been blessed in joining you all online!
ReplyDeleteThat is the amazing part of going online-so many people have joined us. But, I do miss "body life"-the face to face interaction with others in our church. We are petitioning our governor to allow us to open at the same percentages per location capacities as other businesses.
DeleteWise words. I have found my faith growing so much during the lock-down. I thank God for my faith daily. I know that I am simply a sojourner here and that my true home is with God. It both frightens and saddens me to see people protesting so vehemently. This is not Christian behavior.
ReplyDeleteI think our nation is so tense that things can get volatile very easily. We are petitioning our governor, not protesting, to ask that our churches are allowed to open in the same way businesses are opening. In phases and by percentages based on our building capacity. Please pray for us!
ReplyDeleteI will include you in my prayers. The Catholic Church where I grew up has it’s doors open 7 days of the week during certain hours. Parishioners may come in (wearing masks) for individual prayer and reflection. It’s been nice to be able to go there with my mum. I am looking forward to the Congregational church where I more often go to open back up. It’s nice to her music and celebrate worship together.
ReplyDeleteThe things you say are burdensome. I'm trusting that God is in control, and asking for discernment to know what is right with all the happenings. I agree, it is a spiritual battle. Will pray your Church and state will get better so the lockdown can ease up. My state is pretty much open so I think it now concerns me more than before. Already, seems the first day people were out at restaurants, and not doing social distancing. Praying God eradicates this virus soon if it's his will. All this does cause so much pause. Thank you for sharing about how being Church leaders is during this time. Our Churches have opened or will within the next week to limited capacity. ~hugs~
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayers! We need them!
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