March 24, 2020
As many of us sit in our homes and shelter ourselves and loved ones from the COVID19 virus, I am amazed at how God still provides, still gives hope and refines us to rebirth and restoration in Him. As Craig and I take our walks I am constantly drawn to the signs of Hope springing up around us. It has been a mild winter, yet a dead brown winter nonetheless, to see new life coming beck just gives my heart a hug. Trees budding, flowers poking their leaves up from the hard ground, grass is greening up… each one such a miracle, a hope of what’s to come. Yes, a huge killing frost could snuff them out, but let’s think optimistically, there will be leaves for shade from the summer heat, flowers to enjoy and bring inside, grass to mow, and yes, weeds to pick out. But it gives us hope in an unusual circumstance
Worldwide. God knew this was coming, and He timed it to happen in Spring. I think, He allowed it to happen and made it happen at such a time as this.
The world is stressed out, some upset with all kinds, some hoarding all kinds, and we haven’t seen the worst of this yet, but those in Christ have hope. God is reminding us of this as we look outside I think. Even with the Easter season, a time when we reflect upon our walk with Him.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psalms 51:10-12
As we see the world around us, are we caught up in it? Are we able to rest in Him and in His promises? The seed is laid in the fall. Everything it needs is within it. Just like us, Christ is all we need, all we need is in Christ within us - within the Spirit that’s within each believer. The seed in the ground needs proper nourishment, water minerals ect to grow. So do we, are we taking in what we need to grow? Are we pushing into Christ and others? Are we taking in what God is feeding us through His Word and from words He gives to others? We have been in a time where we cannot socialize and gather…. we miss it! Or do we? We should yearn to be with our church families and worship together.
The social distancing reminds me of the lepers of the Bible. Having to shout ahead to warn others coming toward them “no don’t come I’m unclean!” We pass over that lightly sometimes… what if that person is their spouse, child, parent, sibling… saying no I can’t come near you for your sake. I’ve got leprosy (the virus) or have been exposed. Those with leprosy went off and lived their life in leper camps, no goodbyes with hugs, no visits without risking exposing the other… the dread of finding a spot. I think that is a bit more real to us now. I then think of the rejoicing that occurred when Christ healed the leper! Or God granted healing to a leper. Can you imagine what that meant?!? Here we are having deaths from the virus, but also many recoveries. Praise God for modern medicine. Major prayers for the healthcare workers and their families, who are distancing themselves because of their continued exposure. Prayers for the families that are distanced from loved ones in critical conditions in the hospital, from the virus or other things. No visitors. Not being able to be with them in the critical times or possibly at their passing… I can’t imagine, pray none of us have to experience that. Prayers for those losing loved ones and not being able to have the traditional services for closure. So many to pray for.
I am praying that through this time that there is time to think, life has slowed down for many. Became a little more focused for most of us. Praying that this is a time of revival of all kinds; coming to Christ and renewing in Christ, reaching out into community through this time, in acts of service and love.
Winter is past, the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth,
the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtle dove is heard in the land.
Song of Solomon 2:11,12
