We have been meeting and will continue to meet online with our church during this COVID 19 period. We might still share the word together and pray together – even sing (awkwardly) together. But there is a power in physical presence and physical gathering that we can’t replace—of experiencing other people live and in color; of seeing them, and listening to them, and speaking face to face; of being together.
It’s the kind of thing Paul means as he prays “most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:10).
It’s what John says in 3 john 14: “Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete”
I miss all of you and can’t wait until we can celebrate together again in the house of God. In the meantime, how can we as Christ followers respond during this crisis?
1) DON’T BE SURPRISED BY ADVERSITY
Here are some scriptures that reinforce the idea that this world is not our home and that we will have all sorts of trials, illnesses, famines, wars, etc…
Beloved,
do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to
test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter
4:12
I
have said these things to you, that in me (Jesus) you may have
peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take
heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
2) LOOK FOR WAYS GOD MIGHT USE IT FOR GOOD IN MY LIFE
What is God teaching us? How are we responding in loving our neighbors? How do we see God at work in this storm? After all, God is still on the throne and is not helpless through this mess.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, … Romans 5:3-4
3) TRUST GOD FOR WHAT I DON’T UNDERSTAND
During this time of suffering, we find out how weak and frail we humans really are. However, we serve a mighty God who knows all things and loves us greatly.
A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way? Proverbs 20:24
“Trust
in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own
understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
I would love to hear your thoughts