Corona….how tired of this word we are all getting! Coronavirus has a series of crown-like spikes on its surface, hence the name. It also has the meaning of being surrounded. But are you going to envision being surrounded by the virus, or being surrounded by God’s protection? Choosing the latter brings more peace of mind for sure.
So wow… one more article or blog or post about this topic? Well, I am going to take a tangent from the coronavirus itself and talk about crises. This may be a longer blogpost than usual!
In times of crises it makes us examine our lives—what our purpose is here, where we are headed, those important to us, what really matters, what we really need to survive, and more. We become resourceful and creative as we ration and conserve what we have so we don’t need to go out as often, and even if we do, there is no guarantee the supplies we are looking for will be currently restocked. As this particular CLOVID 19 virus spreads globally, it threatens to consume our thoughts and overwhelm our lives with anxiety and fear. It has brought out the best and worst in people. Our inherent selfishness has been apparent in the hoarding of all manner of food and supplies; most notably in the general population, i.e. toilet paper shortages– while evidenced in the medical community by lack of appropriate protective gear for caring for patients, especially the coveted N95 masks. And then you have those who respond in Christ-like ways– the touching stories of the Italian priest who succumbed to this disease as he gave up a ventilator for someone else, or the person in the grocery store who split the last 2 cartons of eggs on the shelf with the woman behind him in line, who then secretly paid forward towards his groceries, the restaurants providing free take-outs those who are helping others, and manufacturers switching to crucially needed items. Or the lesser known stories of those who are doing grocery or prescription pickups and drop-offs for the elderly and immunocompromised, or reaching out in whatever ways still possible to friends and neighbors while maintaining social distancing.
Our families are more together at home, which can be a good thing or cause more friction as the stresses of life and too much shared space fray our nerves! I pray for children who rely on the school systems for daily care and interventions, and am thankful for the community response as the schools supply students and families with meals. And we also think of the unprepared families thrown suddenly into homeschooling… some are thriving and making the most of it, but many are struggling as well. This has been called crisis homeschooling, which is not the same as regular homeschooling!
There are many elderly and shut-ins who are feeling the effects of isolation as they already may live alone, and not being able to get out or have physical contact as usual makes the days and nights seem longer. It has been interesting to see how some have been mindful of this with extra phone calls, visits through windows, and offers to help anyway possible. We are relying on some of our “old ways” as well as appreciating more modern modes of communication more often these days!
The medical community and other emergency workers and public servants also need our prayers and support as they are on the front lines in caring for those who are affected in not just this current crisis, but there are many other types of crises that arise, including wars and attacks, natural disasters, illness and accidents. They need us to back them up however we can.
Churches are offering sermons and online worship services, and finding ways to stay connected while unable to be together physically. It has been a blessing to see everyone reaching out to make sure needs are met and just to stay in touch and encourage each other. And if there is anything we are hungry for in a crises, it is the comfort of God’s Word and fellowship of His people! This is also a good time to spend more time in prayer and worship—our first weapons against whatever we face in this world. God is BIGGER than the coronavirus! He is good. He is faithful. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is our Healer and Provider. He loves us with an everlasting love. We have good news to share!
So as you think about how you personally respond to the crises or “hard” of life, I encourage you to especially consider why you are here, and where you are headed. The Bible is very clear that we are living in the end times, and that the Lord’s return is very near. Is God getting your attention? Do you know Him? Is He your Savior and Lord? Do you have eternal life? He offers it to us for free… but it cost God His Son. And the love, joy and peace He fills us with as we live for Him are indescribable! Take this time to make things right with the Lord, and receive His gift of salvation, a personal relationship with Him, and share that with others before it’s too late.
Time is short, eternity sure! May you be blessed with joy on your journey.
Scriptures: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Romans 10:9-10 “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 “8For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Joyful Journey 