By Rae Lynn DeAngelis
We are a little over two weeks into our social distancing quarantine to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and like many of you, I’m still reeling with disbelief about what we are currently facing, a world-wide pandemic that is threatening to take us down physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially.
Everyone is being impacted in some way. This invisible enemy is the great equalizer. Talk about flattening the curve! The playing field is being leveled like never before. Whether it’s fighting the illness itself, losing a loved one, being out of work, worrying about those we love, standing in lines of stores or food pantries to get our family’s needs met, feeling isolated, feeling confined, living life differently because of social distancing, watching savings or retirement funds dwindle, or facing doubt about the future, there is one thing this epidemic has taught me: This world is more intertwined than I ever realized! We are truly in this thing together, and we ALL feel the weight of it. Through this trying time, our faith is being tested, challenged, strengthened, and refined.
Individuals are looking for hope and encouragement. As the Church, the Body of Christ, God has called us to step-up and be light amidst the darkness. In times like these, we have a great responsibility to be a beacon of God’s love and goodness.
We need to show people that Jesus is the secure anchor they can cling to in any storm, and that He provides peace that passes all understanding, even in the midst of great chaos. Jesus is in this storm with us. He still has command over the wind and waves coming against us. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is still all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. And He will never leave or forsake us.
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
In this world of uncertainty, now more than ever, people are looking for answers. How interesting that in a time of social distancing, we have technology which allows us to reach people all over the world.
I believe God is moving us out of our comfort zone and into something new. The following verse comes to mind: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).
God is always on the move! Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Him, and let’s pray for the courage and confidence to follow Him every step of the way.
Lord God, we don’t know what the future holds, but you do. You are already there, waiting in our tomorrow. You know the way forward, and you are there, preparing us for what is yet to come. Lord, it may sound crazy to some, but I see Coronavirus as a blessing disguised as a crisis, because it is causing many of us to fix our eyes on what’s really important in life, what really matters. Lord, everything material could be stripped away, but we still have you, and we still have eternal life with you when you call us home. Lord, your Word is clear. You have told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Help us remember that truth when fear begins to creep in. Help us come together in love during this time of uncertainty. Help us encourage one another and bring light into the darkness. Help us to spread faith, hope, and love; the greatest of these is love. Love like you showed us on the cross when you ascribed unsurpassable worth to us at cost to yourself. And now, you call us to that same kind of love. Putting others before ourselves. So, Lord, no matter where we come from, no matter what position we are in, and no matter what trials we face… we ask you to fill us with your peace that passes all understanding. Keep our focus on YOU and your goodness even in the face of this pandemic. Strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and give us opportunities to love. Thank you, Lord, for answered prayer. Amen
