Global Pandemic: Let us be encouraged
Hey Y’all! Wow! What a difference a little more than a month makes. We are all living a “new normal.” I wanted to take a moment and write a word of encouragement. I’m not going to tell you how many drafts I wrote of this entry. Lol! It’s embarrassing and instead of perfection, I just wanted to be real with you.
How are y’all doing?
How are you holding up during this pandemic?
The Coronavirus has hit us like a Mack truck times 10. Our world has experienced death like never before. Schools and universities are closed. Students are now being taught by their parents. Zoom meetings are an everyday occurrence, whether personal or professional. Trying to find toilet paper, paper towels, sanitizer and soap is like looking for a needle in a haystack. We’ve been asked to only leave our homes for food or walks/runs. Instead of sports and entertainment stars, doctors, nurses, post office employees, grocery store employees and many other essential employees have become our heroes.
Yes! That’s a lot of change and can be overwhelming, but there is HOPE. Yes! There is hope. His name is Jesus! Because of Him, we will make it through this. God knew this was going to happen and He hasn’t left us. He’s right here, exactly where He has been the entire time. All we need to do is trust Him, believe His word and know that He loves us. We also must look at the positives that have come from this global pandemic.
Families are spending more time with one another
Parents are able to be engaged with their children and school work
People are finding ways to be healthier
Some are realizing that their own bad habits were the cause of their financial problems.
People seem to be conversing with the Lord more.
Marriages are being prioritized
Many are being creative, and flexible, with the ways they communicate with those around them. (phones calls, letter writing, drive by visits)
Appreciation for those employees that at times may be overlooked (grocery, post office, sanitary, food service, and etc.)
Yes, we are living in unprecedented times. It’s uncomfortable, and things seem to be changing daily. But take heart and know that God has us and is here. Put your hope and faith in Him.
Scriptures of Encouragement
21 The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. - Proverbs 18:21(NLT)
Speak positive and remember what you say has power over the current season we are living in.
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. 5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. 6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. 7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. 8 Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. 9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. 11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. 13 You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! 14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” - Psalm 91 (in it’s entirety)
Simple, God is always with us. Point. Blank. Period.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)
Put your pride aside and give God your concerns, worry, fear and more regarding this pandemic season. He “cares for you” and will help you through it.
9 The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. - Psalm 9:9-10(NLT)
Simply put… God is, and always will be, here in our times of trouble. Trust and lean on Him.
3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! 4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. -Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT)
And before I close out, let’s not forget those who may not be in the best situation during this time. Let’s pray, support and help (where we can) those who are experiencing abuse, hunger, high levels of anxiety and depression, lack of shelter and those who have experienced loss from this virus.
Finally, during this time of quarantine, continue to enjoy this extra time with your family, exercising and eating healthier, sharing love and being creative in communication. And please take this time, to dig deeper into God’s word and talk with Him more. He’s here for ALL of us. And if you have any questions about that, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me regarding it.
Prayer-
Dear Lord, we are living in a crazy time. These waters are uncharted for us, but yet, our trust and faith is in You. Father, we thank You for every person who is on the frontline. Leaving there homes everyday to help keep this world afloat. Father, we lift up those families who have lost love ones to this virus. Please provide them comfort and peace during this time. Father, we lift those up to you who are living in abusive homes, lack shelter, are hungry and are struggling with anxiety and fear. Please remind them that You are in control and that they can put their hope and faith in You. Father, we thank You for the opportunities this quarantine has provided us. Under our old “normal” lives, many of us may not have been able to spend this much time with our families. We may not have had the opportunity write our business plans and even may have not made time to spend with You. THANK YOU! Lord, I believe You will see us through and will bring us out of this better than when we went in. Father, I also pray that we take this time to spread Your love, share hope and share Your word with others. As Christians, this our time to share about the amazing God we serve. In Jesus’ name I pray- AMEN.
