Hello Friends, I thought I would share a few thoughts as we are still sheltering in place, learning to adjust to our “new normal.” I have been pondering how crisis pushes some people deeper into their faith and causes others to dig in deeper in their unbelief. Could it be that crisis magnifies our true beliefs and clarifies our priorities, exposing what was there all along?
But even if we want to trust God, we may have had moments of questioning our current situation. I think we all seek to understand where God is and what he is doing in these circumstances. Maybe we have said something like, “God, GET US OUT of this!!” But maybe, we should ask, “God, what do you want me TO GET OUT of this?” What do you want me to learn and how can I more closely align my priorities with yours during this time of being sidelined? What can I take with me from this time, so that when things return to normal, I don’t simply return to the default of busyness and noise.
There are many needs during this time, but ultimately, I wonder if our needs are really so much different than they were 2 months ago. Is God’s ability to meet our need any different than it was before the pandemic? Has he changed, or been caught off guard by what is happening in the world? No, he is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). We are promised his love, his peace, his strength, his presence, his provision, his mercy.
This is a time for us to lean in to his promises…The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace (Psalm 29:11). Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27). I believe the thing needed most during this time, is what we need all the time – his presence, his peace. We can ask for the situation causing us pain to be taken away, but the real miracle is that he is with us and promises to be with us always.
Hebrews 11:6 says God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. He says in seeking, we will find. As we ask, it will be given. If we knock, the Door will be opened. He is ready and waiting, with the gift of his presence, and it is everything we need.
Life By The Way 