I’m ready to think about and write about something other than our current social distancing and battle with COVID-19, but God’s still small voice keeps telling me, “Not yet. There are still things of importance and lessons to be learned in this trial.” So, I am writing this in prayerful obedience. This viral storm we are in right now is bigger and more threatening than anything most of us have ever experienced. It is causing us to feel off balance and vulnerable. It is taking us way out of our comfort zone into uncharted waters. In spite of those feelings of helplessness, we are not beyond the reach of Jesus and his love. Jesus said, “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” (John 15:9)
About five years ago, Sheri Easter collaborated with two friends to write a song. The lyrics seem even more appropriate now than they were back then. “When you feel forgotten; When you feel you’re all alone; When you feel like giving up; When you feel discouraged and everything’s uncertain; When you feel you’re just not good enough; When it’s slipping through your hands and you’ve done all you can and there’s still so much more to do. It’s easy to forget in times like this, Jesus loves you! Jesus loves you and he cares about everything you’re going through!” In addition to the threat and challenge of this virus, some of my friends are faced with other battles as well. It seems like the enemy is throwing everything he can at us. Maybe he senses his time is getting short. I’ve read the last chapter of the Book and I know how the story ends; so does he.
It seems ironic that in this time of physical separation, isolation and quarantine we can become closer to Jesus and, because of His love; we can actually become closer to each other mentally, emotionally and spiritually. As we “circle the wagons” to protect our loved ones from this viral attack, our family circles can draw closer. The same is true of our spiritual family. As children of God; brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus; we become closer as we look out for each other and pray in unity for this storm to pass. I hope and pray that we continue to stay this close when this threat is finally over.
My prayer for each of you reading this is that you and your loved ones remain healthy and protected from this virus. But if anyone has already been touched by it, I pray that God will also touch you with His healing hand. Through all of this, I pray that we learn the importance of leaning on God and on each other in every situation and season of our lives, whether the seas around us are rough or calm. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.