Maybe you have been in a context where someone has said, “Let’s talk about something other than the Corona virus!” It has captured our attention and focus. Anything that contributes to sickness, hardship and death should be a priority. I do want to encourage you with a few blessings for you and your family.
Now I need to mention a few qualifiers. First, the obvious, I am not saying this sickness or any other diseases that impact individuals and families is good. Second, I am not minimizing the real struggles and challenges that may lie ahead. And third, I hope that you have been wise in steps to prepare for a possible quarantine.
When I think of difficulties, all difficulties, I am reminded of an often over-quoted Scripture that does remind us that God is with us each step of the way, “for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”” (Hebrews 13:5) Fear steps in when faith (trust) in our Creator is absent. These eight words speak volumes of the blessing for those that belong to Jesus Christ. Remember that you are not alone. And while we are on this, we can also depend on Him to guide us, but we do need to ask for help. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5) It is time to get on our knees. Besides His Word, God has given me more direction and insight in prayer than anything else. And there is a third truth that we also need to hold on to during those tough stretches, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) For those of us that are known by Christ, we know that He is aware of everything that happens in our lives (even our own poor choices) and is able to redeem them. This is not an excuse to be reckless, but a promise and reminder of God’s power to use those difficult times in our lives.
So let’s touch on some practical blessings of a possible quarantine. First, it will cause you to slow down. One of the biggest problems for most Americans, believers included, is that we’ve over programmed our lives. We have robbed ourselves of margin or time. A quarantine will be uncomfortable for many but it can have a huge benefit of giving us time to focus on the things that often get neglected.
Think about have some time to spend in God’s Word and prayer. Think about having some time to turn a few pages in a good book. Think about having a conversation or many conversations with spouse and kids. Think about having time to share meals like breakfast, lunch and dinner together without any other distractions. Think about playing cards or a board game as a family. Think about taking a walk together.
Let me encourage you to be wise during these days of uncertainty. Let’s be prepared for what might happen. Let me encourage you to take advantage of any downtime. And more important than anything else, let me encourage you to lean on Jesus during these uncertain times.
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)
-Pastor Joe Parkinson