Faith:
This is an uncertain time. It can be overwhelming at times and a lot of questions flood our minds. We have to rely on our faith now more than ever. However, faith doesn’t require us to be any less wise in our decisions to protect our families in every way possible. On the other hand, wisdom does not require us to lay our faith aside either. They go hand in hand.
Wisdom is our “what to do” and Understanding is our “how to do it” that comes through the direction of the spirit of God. The truth, our knowledge, is the word of God that is unshakable. That is our faith!
Family:
I was able to have a very meaningful conversation with my family at dinner last night. We were discussing how many people are predicted to die from this virus, which led to other questions about what the Bible says about all of this.
My son asked the question, “Doesn’t the Bible talk about how this will happen before Jesus comes?” My answer was, “Yes, it does” so I looked it up and read it to them…
Truth:
10Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, 11and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
Luke 21:10-11
My husband told us that some one he is connected to in his line of work told him that there was a 5.7 earthquake where he lives that didn’t even make the news this week!!!
Hope:
28 But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
Luke 21:28
This earth is not our eternal home. We have to keep the perspective that whatever happens, our eternity is secure in Christ. Whatever happens on this earth does not determine our ultimate outcome. We do not trust in the things of this world, because they will eventually crumble and fall. It’s not a question of “if”. It is truly a question of “when”. Our hope is on things above, the things we cannot see, the spirit that lives inside of us, the one who gave His life in order to give us redemption and righteousness to be with our creator and live in the fullness of freedom and eternal peace. That is our hope. That is our future.
Peace:
I’m certainly not trying to add to any anxiety my family is having, but I think it’s important that they know what our truth, (the word of God) says. With the certainty of what the word says about the things to come, there also comes peace. That’s what the word of God does. It speaks peace to your soul. Dig into it, read it and ask God to give you insight into it. The whole purpose of the story from Genesis to Revelation is to tell the story and plan of the redemption of humanity! It is full of provocative stories that always have the same underlying message… God’s desire to have a real relationship with us in exchange for His promise of protection…
Promise and Protection:
Psalm 91 ►
New American Standard Bible (Security of the One Who Trusts in the LORD)
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” 3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. 5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day; 6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. 7 A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you. 8 You will only look on with your eyes And see the recompense of the wicked. 9 For you have made the LORD, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place. 10 No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent. 11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. 12 They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down. 14 Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. 15 He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;I will be with him in trouble;I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation
I want to encourage you today to take advantage of this time with your families. Talk about what’s going on, read scriptures together, have devotion time, give them truth and encourage them to trust in The Lord. When they have questions, be vulnerable and dig in together to find answers. You may not find exactly what you were expecting, but reading Gods word will certainly bring peace in this very uncertain time.
It’s also important to connect with them in other ways. Have fun, laugh, be together. Proximity does not replace intimacy. Play games, cards, take walks, go for a bike ride, take them on a golf cart ride, walk the dog together, sit on the porch together, paint, do a project, work on something you didn’t have time for before. Most of all, make memories. This is a time that we will remember for the rest of our lives. We are literally living in the midst of history in the making!
The Walk 