Short version: Use this as an opportunity to develop your own character.

If there is one thing I have learned on this faith walk, it is this . . . God is listening and talking. How well we receive His message is determined by how well we are tuning in.

As I begin my devotions today, I prayed again, that He open my mind and heart to the message He wants me to hear and to share. Quite honestly, this blog is out of my comfort zone as I share my personal thoughts and feelings.

But then I read chapter 2, and on page 25 God left me a personal message through the author. “Although we don’t admit it very often, I think we all want to give the right answer rather than what we think might really be true. But hear me on this: the compulsion to say the ‘right thing‘ explains why so many of us have fallen spiritually sick. . . . The thoughts and emotions we stuff down into the darkness become a playground for the enemy, where the toxic filth breeds best.”

Reassurance

As I read this, it reassured me that this is what God wants me to do. For reasons I don’t know, he wants me to put my personal thoughts and emotions out there, and to be honest and true.

Times of Trouble

That isn’t what the chapter was actually about, however. Today’s reading was about facing disappointment and recognizing God’s role in the circumstances.

This was perfect scripture to mediate on as our nation (and world) copes with the Corona Virus. Sheila Walsh, the author, painted a vivid picture of the Bible story describing a very sick woman, touching the hem of Jesus’ garment, and He says to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer, your faith has made you well (Luke 8:43-48).

Dealing with COVID 19

After reading that, I realized I wanted to share my thoughts as it relates to COVID 19 that we are consumed with as a society.

We are going to have tough times. God told us that. John 16:33– I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.

Our lives are disrupted.

Events are cancelled and we are being inconvenienced. But know this. God has it. People are hoarding supplies and freaking out. Matthew 6:34- Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. I can’t speculate why God is allowing these disruptions from this virus, but I DO KNOW people have an opportunity to slow down their lives, to take more time to be home with families, to enjoy the outdoors, and to show kindness to others. I KNOW more and more posts on social media are encouraging prayer. And I KNOW we could be doing a better job as a society of using this as an opportunity to develop our own character in how we handle this.

There. I said it.

I usually refrain from this kind of public sharing. But I didn’t stop myself from saying what is true. I hope I used today’s reading as it was intended.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for today’s message; for the reminder to me that you are with me on this journey, and the strength to share my thoughts and emotions. Thank you for the Bible, and how it has the answers about our circumstances, we just need to look for them. Lord, I pray for our nation (and the world) as we move through this pandemic. I pray that You show us the spaces where we can grow. I pray we look for opportunities to be more like Jesus in how we handle ourselves with the news and media. I pray that we seek Your word and not the harmful messages so many are sharing. Lord, give us peace as we move about our days, seeking the positives in our circumstances. And for those that are really affected with their health, I pray they get the care and comfort they need. I love and praise You, in Jesus name, Amen.