Panic has swept our nation. THOUSANDS are dying and hundreds of thousands of people have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Store shelves are empty and businesses are closing. People are losing their jobs and source of income; while others are still forced to work, putting their families at risk of being exposed to this unknown virus. Many say this virus is just another flu; however, this virus has never been detected in humans before. Ones body does not recognize it like that of the seasonal flu, and may not be able to fight it off.
My husband and I are among those still working, placing our children anywhere we can find childcare; potentially exposing them, and ourselves to this unknown virus. You may be thinking "you idiot, stay home...social distance yourselves, self quarantine!!" I would more than love to do that, to hide my kids at home; however, my employer has not and probably will not close the doors. I would more than love to take off, but that would require using annual leave, and I currently only have 4 days of leave...which does no good during a recommended 2 week quarantine. I could take off unpaid; however, after so many days of leave without pay I will lose my insurance on myself and my kids...and that's not the wisest thing to do at this time.
They are speculating that only the older generation and those with autoimmune disorders are at risk (of dying); when reality says something different. NEWS FLASH; NO ONE, at any age, is promised tomorrow. No one knows how this virus will effect them, or their families, unless they get it and live through it. Despite this reality, I write this in perfect peace. Not because I feel invisible to what's going on (because I am a christian); but, because the bible says all of your days have already been written in God's book, before you were even born. Isaiah 14:27 says "Nothing can stop God's plan for your life"; proving that you can be in perfect health today, and develop pneumonia from this virus and die tomorrow. This quote also holds truth to why some of us are still here today, despite the odds that are against us. Much like in 1996, when I was just under 6 years old; sitting on the couch directly in front of the window, coloring and watching cartoons after school, when all of a sudden a drunk driver came crashing through that very window, going 70 mph. The odds were that I was dead. That I would have a broken back/neck/legs...that I may be retarded; however, the very next day I walked out of the hospital without a single broken bone. Yes, I had a concussion, but despite the odds that were against me, God was for me. When God's favor is upon you, despite the odds, you will persevere.
Matthew 6:34 says "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself, each day has enough trouble of its own". Therefore, do not live each day in fear, this too shall pass like all of yesterdays troubles. Instead, God wants you to cast all of your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - (1 Peter 5:7).
A LOT of people, some Christians, and non-Christians alike, are wondering "where is God"?!? IF God is almighty like christian's proclaim, then where is he during this pandemic? The answer is HE IS RIGHT HERE WITH YOU...just like he was when his ~33 year old son Jesus Christ was crucified. God is asking his people to humble themselves, to pray and seek his face, to turn from their wicked ways, saying that he will hear them from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land; (2 Chronicles 7:14 ).
The deepest level of worship should be when we are at our lowest, in spite of the pain; thanking God during our trials, trusting him when we're tempted to lose faith, and loving him even when he is silent and seems so far away. Always remember, the teacher is always silent during the test. Sometimes, the only way God can show us he is in control is by putting us in situations where we have no control. God uses trials to build faith, and to draw us back to him. He allows storms to happen to show us that he is the only shelter. The bible does not promise days without trials; in fact, it pretty much guarantees that Christians will face MANY trials. John 16:33 says "In this world you will have trouble; but take heart, I have overcome the world". God will use the very thing that was meant to destroy you to deliver you. (1 Samuel 17:1).
We must remember that NOTHING, good or bad, in this world is permanent, not even our troubles. Therefore, in order to live in peace with the unknown, we must listen to Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God". Proclaim today "at my lowest God is my hope; at my darkest God is my light. At my weakest, God is my strength. At my saddest, you are my comforter". If today we lose hope, remind us that your plans are greater than our dreams.
Psalm 37:5 says "God has a reason for allowing things to happen. We may never understand his wisdom, but we simply have to trust his will". When it's not Gods timing you cannot force it; when it is Gods timing you cannot stop it. Be cheerful no matter what. Pray all the time. Thank God no matter what happens (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Do not be afraid, just believe - Mark 5:36. Live in peace knowing this too shall pass.
Amen
#PrayforOurNation
No comments:
Post a Comment