To COVID, or not to COVID? That is the question.
In some ways, I’m so oversaturated with COVID-19 news that I’d prefer a different topic. But alongside that sentiment, I’m aware that this is a moment in time that all of us will remember. This period will be a defining season that will be studied and analyzed for a long time after hand sanitizer is restocked.It’s also a time when people of faith have a choice to stand on the truth or fall to the fears and lies of the enemy. I choose to strike a balance in the middle.On a lighter side of this subject, I’m watching the vastly different reactions of my two adult children. Both are in college and, like all the college students I know who live on campus, are relocating to temporary housing.Within a 2-hour span, I received a call from one of them celebrating an extended Spring Break and a request to use his Spring Break refund to catch a cheap flight to Cabo where 200 of his closest friends were hanging out (#outofyourmind)… and that was quickly followed by complete devastation. All stability, routine, spring plans, and friendships totally displaced. Anxiety and fear of the unknown were pressing in.If there’s anything universal in this season, it’s the reminder that we aren’t in control. I write this from the back seat of our car after a 10-hour drive to reach our daughter and figure out a plan. Moving to Cleveland sounds like torture to her (no offense to my new Cleveland friends… just the fact that she doesn’t know a soul there). So the thought of having my nest full and under our protection during this crisis is another unintended consequence of our journey. I can’t control that.What is it that you can’t control right now?Write out the top 3 things. I’m sure the list is longer, but the top 3 will suffice. Now, give your list of the uncontrollable to our Heavenly Father. Remember who He is…
Have you not known? Have you not heard?The Lord is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth.He does not faint or grow weary;his understanding is unsearchable.He gives power to the faint,and to him who has no might he increases strength.(Isaiah 40:28- 29)
Next, I encourage you to consider what you can control. Need some help?
Your thoughts.
Your attitude.
What you feed your mind.
How you spend your time… wherever you are.
Who you reach out to and encourage.
Somewhere in the middle of all that, allow yourself to heed the wise counsel of medical experts and civic leaders. But once you’ve followed their counsel, rest in knowing that our God is not caught off guard. He still has you – His precious child – in the palm of His hand. Then go and encourage someone you know who’s struggling with the feeling of being out of control. Newsflash: We were never in control. Good News: He is and always has been. And He will never leave us nor forsake us.
And while you plan how to spend your time, may I suggest the following:
Have a priority time.
Find a podcast.
Create a playlist of worship music.
Listen to sermons.
Read books that pour truth and life into you.
Create a schedule to keep your heart and mind connected to His truth during this journey.
And may we come out of this unexpected season more aware of our dependence on Him than ever before. 🙏