So the world just changed. Majorly! I guess we’re all in still in shock, trying to figure out how to walk through this situation.
I really hope you’re doing ok.
I’ve been praying and processing, and here are some thoughts I’ve put together. I really hope they will bless you through this time.
The most important issue is eternal. Are we ready for eternity? Coronavirus will sweep some people into eternity. And the question is: are they ready? The burden on my heart is this: Until you have made your peace with God, coming to Jesus as Saviour, asking for and receiving His forgiveness and surrendering to follow Him as Lord, all comfort is ultimately false.
I pray this is a wake-up call to many, to make peace with God before it is too late.
But, for those of us who are trusting and following Him, I know the story is very different. I’m learning that fear of this situation is really only a phantom.
There is nothing to be afraid of when I am held in God’s hand. Nothing can touch me unless He allows it, and His grace and provision are always enough.
Gratitude
Coronavirus is making me grateful, deeply grateful, for what I have, and for what I ‘normally’ have. Freedom. Enough food. Family. Church. So, so much. I am so very blessed.
But there is still so much to be grateful for.
Being grateful is helping me through this. I am so, so blessed. I am living with friends right now. We have enough to eat. Finding food deliveries is a challenge, but we have a daily milkman, who will also bring bread and eggs. What a gift.
Video streaming is an absolute gift. Recently my family had a live video meet-up. What a gift to be able to do that! Not many generations would have been able to.
I know not everyone has what I have, but I think intentionally being grateful would help all of us right now.
Loving others
I think loving others helps put things in perspective, and so does praying for others.
Like praying for nations where the impact of Coronavirus will be an awful lot worse than here, because they don’t have the luxury and wealth we have. Taking time to pray for those who really will suffer through this. Who may even end up starving to death, or being unable to walk to collect water. Who have never even heard the Name of Christ. And doing what we can to help.
Focusing on what I can do.
Ok, so there are many things I can’t do right now, but what things can I do?
I can use the internet to connect with my family, church and friends.
What a gift!
I can enjoy the extra peace and quiet.
As things stand, I can still enjoy exercise and sunshine.
I can pray, and my prayers can make a real difference. My prayers can be used to help in a very real, tangible way- to help the nation, my loved ones, myself and even the nations far away!
I can hold on tight to God’s promises. My Father promises to provide for my every need. He promises to take care of me, abundantly. He promises to give me wisdom, and grace, and help. He promises to use every trial for good in my life. He promises to provide and He always does, often in ways I just couldn’t imagine.
When there is something I am missing, I can prayerfully seek to find alternatives. Like video conversations- what a provision and gift!
Encouraging Others
And, even on the challenging days, I can look outwards and seek to encourage others. Our GFA UK team have started a new practice in our midday prayer meetings: praying for people’s prayer requests and then sending a quick email to encourage them. It encourages them, and the truth is that it brings us joy, too!
Taking it one day at a time
The Lord has been encouraging me not to try to do this in my own strength, or it figure it all out. He’s encouraging me to lean on Him, be like a little child… and take this one day at a time, trusting His provision will be there every moment, with fresh, abundant grace and help.
I still have so much. I’m learning God’s grace is enough for the challenges, and God’s promises are enough for my fear. God’s strength will be given to me moment by moment, day by day. There is no reason for me to live in fear. He will give me all I need.
Coronavirus has brought change. It’s taken most of us by surprise, including me. But God will take me by the hand and lead me through. And I’m praying you’ll surrender and put your hand in His, and ask Him to do the same for you.
Caroline Abblitt 