May 2020 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for May 31, 2020 – Holding God’s hand – and giving Him our fears

Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid. I am with you.
Don’t tremble with fear.
I am your God.
I will make you strong,
as I protect you with my arm
and give you victories.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

This morning, Greg and I sat on the back porch and enjoyed a wonderful cool breeze as we watched and listened to birds and wildlife scamper through the woods – and observed boats zipping across the lake. I made the comment that I feel blessed and guilty all at once that we are able to experience such peace and calm, while just a few miles away, people are protesting and cities are in turmoil – and some are even burning. Our county has experienced a relatively small number of reported COVID-19 cases, while we have watched the news reports from cities where so many died that the bodies were held in refrigerated trucks that served as makeshift morgues.

Far too many people in our world are trembling with fear today – and with good reason. As Christians, we should acknowledge our fears and concerns – and those of others – and lift them to the heavens in prayers for peace, strength and courage. In truth, you and I are each only one crisis away from being just as fearful and discouraged as the next guy. We never know when illness or tragedy will strike. And while I like to think that we live in a relatively safe community, I know that there are hints of racism, bigotry and hatred bubbling beneath the surface. If you don’t believe me, read the comments posted on Facebook in the debate over whether to wear a mask or “return to normal” during this pandemic.

We have every reason to be fearful and worried. At the same time, we have the biggest reason of all to be calm and confident – God’s strong, protective, loving arms. If you continue reading in Isaiah 41, you will find verse 13, which says, “I am the Lord your God. I am holding your hand, so don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” I take God at His word…I trust Him when He tells me this. I am human, and I falter. Then I reach out and take God’s hand – and hold on with everything I’ve got!

These are sad days in our nation as we grapple with social unrest AND a pandemic. These are days that cause us to cry out to God and beg for mercy and help. These are days when it is hard to see any victories on the horizon. Read the scriptures – especially the Psalms…and talk with God. Pour your heart out to Him…and listen for His response. “Don’t be afraid…I am with you. I am holding your hand. I will protect you and give you victories.” Come, Heavenly Father!

Daily Devotional for May 30, 2020 – Giving God our fears and sadness – the grown-up “toddler challenge”

Isaiah 35:3-4
With this news bring cheer to all discouraged ones. Encourage those who are afraid. Tell them, “Be strong, fear not, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Earlier in the week, our nephew’s wife shared a video of their almost-3-year-old son participating in the “toddler challenge”. The child was seated at a table and presented with candy. Mom said, “I have to leave for a few minutes, so DON’T TOUCH the candy until I get back. BE PATIENT!” She had our great-nephew repeat the mantra…”I’ll be patient!” What transpired next was hilarious. Our great-nephew did not technically EAT the candy, but he did taste it. When his mother asked (off-camera) if he was being patient, he quickly spit out the candy and replied, “YES!” When his mom returned to the room, and our little guy had not technically eaten any of the candy, she declared this a good “first start” and let him have what was in the bowl.

This great-nephew happens to be black…adopted at birth. He was chosen for our family – by God AND by our nephew and his wife. And we love him to the moon and back. I was already extra concerned for this precious child, because African Americans are prone to asthma…and indeed, our nephew keeps an inhaler handy. This makes him more susceptible to viruses and illnesses like COVID-19. The events of the last several days surrounding the heinous and very public murder of a black man by non-black police officers have all but broken me. Indeed, our nephew and his wife are already praying about how they will have the necessary conversations with their son as he gets older. They will have to caution him about where he walks, what he says, with whom he associates, what he wears, and much more…all because his skin is a different color than theirs and that of his big sisters.

If we are not somewhat broken by the divisiveness that has grown in our country in the face of COVID-19 and the numerous incidents in recent weeks of racism and murder committed against black people by those who are mostly white, we need to spend some time in self-examination. I have asked God over and over why this human suffering is allowed. I have asked Him how long it will last – and what should each of us be doing to address it? I have begged for peace and courage…for God to remove any spirit of fear and trepidation – and fill me with hope and confidence that He really is working on all of this.

Then I opened my Bible to Isaiah 35 and read verses 3-4. I even went back and read Isaiah 34 for context. I thought about the countless trials and tribulations that are documented in the Holy Bible…the stories of racism, hatred, inequality, sickness and disease – and all manner of sin. If I believe that God was with the people who are profiled in scripture – and that He rescued and redeemed those who trusted Him –I must surely believe that He will do this for us. Over and again, the scriptures tell us that those who trusted and obeyed God were saved and blessed…and those who turned from Him perished.

You and I have every bit as much potential to operate in evil as any other person. We are given free choice. God sent Jesus to be a living sacrifice for our sins, should we choose to trust Him and carry out His mission. I don’t know how this is going to resolve. I don’t know what lies ahead with regard to the pandemic – or the racial divide in our nation and world. I simply know that I believe in a God who has all the answers…and He has told me to keep listening and following His lead. He is calling on me to be patient…to set aside fear and live with hope and courage. He is guiding me to love others – all of them – with the love of Christ.

Trusting God and operating with strength and good cheer is my “toddler challenge”. God is watching to see how well I do…and He will stand in the gap for me and reward my efforts when I faithfully listen for His voice and serve as He directs. I cannot cure COVID-19 – or single-handedly save the world from hatred and bigotry – and this is not expected of me. I am to do my part as a redeemed disciple of Christ – and leave the rest to God. Fear not…He is coming to save us. Come, Lord Jesus!

Daily Devotional for May 29, 2020 – Who do you obey?

May 29 ~ Isaiah 26:7-15
Our Lord, you always do right,
and you make the path smooth
for those who obey you.
You are the one we trust
to bring about justice;
above all else we want
your name to be honored.
Throughout the night,
my heart searches for you,
because your decisions
show everyone on this earth
how to live right.
Even when the wicked
are treated with mercy
in this land of justice,
they do wrong and are blind
to your glory, our Lord.
Your hand is raised and ready
to punish them,
but they don’t see it.
Put them to shame!
Show how much you care for us
and throw them into the fire
intended for your enemies.
You will give us peace, Lord,
because everything we have done
was by your power.
Others have ruled over us
besides you, our Lord God,
but we obey only you.
Those enemies are now dead
and can never live again.
You have punished them—
they are destroyed,
completely forgotten.
Our nation has grown
because of you, our Lord.
We have more land than before,
and you are honored.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

These verses spoke to me today, as our nation grieves over the wickedness and injustice that seemingly surrounds us. These prophetic words of Isaiah remind me that God is still in charge…that He can save us and give us peace. These verses call us to remember WHO is truly our leader – and turn to Him and away from evil and hatred.

As a nation, we are in a vulnerable condition. Our feelings are raw and on edge from the weeks of battling this pandemic. People are sick, suffering, out of work, and scared half to death about what lies around the next corner. And now the devil has decided to really turn the world upside down and incite a civil war of sorts, as we once again pit races and cultures against one another.

Read the words of this passage carefully. Can you see the “solution”? It’s right there …”Others have ruled over us besides you, our Lord God, but we obey only you.” I urge you to spend time today – and every day – communicating with God. Really listen to what He is telling you – the direction in which He is leading you. Don’t get distracted by the “noise” of those the devil wants to use to divert your attention or get you off track by creating all of the crises that trouble us. Search always for God’s decisions – and follow His directions.

While we find it easy to throw up our hands and say, “I’m only one person…I cannot do anything about these crises!”…the truth is that we serve The ONE who can handle it all. We must give Him room to work in our lives, so that He can use us to accomplish His goals on this earth. This starts with a prayerful commitment to listen – and obey. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get busy doing God’s will and work, and this is the perfect day to begin!

Daily Devotional for May 28, 2020 – Building our firm faith…and finding perfect peace

Isaiah 26:3-4
The Lord gives perfect peace
to those whose faith is firm.
So always trust the Lord
because he is forever
our mighty rock.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

If you have turned on a television in the last 48 hours, your heart has surely sunk over and again at the unbelievable news reports of events and situations in our country and around the world. From the announcement that more than 100,000 Americans have now succumbed to COVID-19 to reports of the apparent murder of a black man on the streets of Minneapolis – by mostly-white city police officers – to an ugly verbal attack of another black man in New York’s Central Park…and horrible, unfounded verbal accusations against more than one individual, in an attempt to deflect attention and change a narrative.

Isaiah 26:3-4 tells us that “The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm.” So how do we have firm faith as we deal with this deadly virus? How do we have firm faith while we worry about our sons, daughters, nephews, spouses and loved ones of color? How do we have firm faith while people physically and verbally attack one another in the streets, on social media – and even in the aisles of retail establishments? How do we have firm faith when every time we turn on the television, there is “news” of yet another horrific event – and many of these are based in hatred and fear?

I pondered these questions, and then I said to God…”I know we are supposed to trust You and rely on Your rock-solid strength. I know that fear and hatred are two of the devil’s favorite tools. So how am I supposed to find perfect peace when I fear for the lives of friends and loved ones? How can I have perfect peace while trying to stay safe from a deadly virus?”

This is what God told me…”Do what I have shown you. Wear a mask, wash your hands, stay home, and do your part to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Speak out against social injustice and hatred whenever and wherever you can – and never be a party to it in any manner – especially on social media. Love all others with the love of Christ, and physically demonstrate acceptance and inclusion. People are watching. Show them by your words and actions that I created all people…and each one is precious to Me, regardless of their skin color, ethnic background, social or economic status, sexual orientation, or political allegiance. I created people of all religious faiths – and those with no faith at all. Show each one of them who I am to you…how I am working in your life and bringing you peace in all things.”

God is calling on us to demonstrate our faith by listening for His voice – and acting on His directives. We are to study the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ – and be His hands and feet on this earth. You and I have two choices – we can operate in fear…or we can live out our firm faith in Christ Jesus. I have no doubt that more bad news is on the horizon. We can let this define us as someone who operates in fear and anxiety…or we can choose to do the things that God directs – and face every situation head-on with firm faith and peace.

Call on our Mighty Rock to give you courage, hope, strength and peace. People are watching…I pray that I will show them a disciple who speaks and acts with firm faith – and the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.

Daily Devotional for May 27, 2020 – Take the mercy…accept the help!

Hebrews 4:14-16
Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

This morning during a Zoom meeting, I was reminded that we are all struggling with decisions and choices during the COVID-19 pandemic. One participant is working through the “logistics” of her daughter’s upcoming wedding, which is set to take place in a few weeks. The purpose of our meeting was to discuss potential re-opening of a school for special needs children and adults. A couple of us have been wrestling with whether to keep appointments for haircuts and other personal services. And one participant had to choose whether to take a job reassignment – or to permanently retire.

As I read these verses in Hebrews 4 today, I was reminded that we don’t have to do this on our own. Even something as seemingly minute as the decision whether to get a haircut can be given to Christ. Nothing is too small or too big for Him to handle! He fully understands this roller-coaster ride that we are on…and He wants to help us. Jesus fully gets our angst over whether to “take the plunge” and hug our family members…or to continue to self-isolate. He empathizes with us as we put on our masks and venture to the store with trepidation to get necessary food and supplies. He understands when we feel frustrated by fellow shoppers who refuse to wear a mask.

Even though Jesus already knows our heart and mind, we need to pour it all out to Him and tell Him how we really feel. We must ask Jesus to give us courage, strength, wisdom, confidence, and hope for the days/weeks/months to come. We have to trust the decisions that we prayerfully make – and ask Christ to comfort us as we walk in them. And yes…we need to ask Jesus to pour out His compassion and grace on each of us as we do our best with the hand we’ve been dealt. Now more than ever, it is time to take Christ’s mercy, and accept His help. Jesus is 100% in touch with our reality…and He is here to help. So let’s go to Him – with all of it!

Daily Devotional for May 26, 2020 – Appreciating God’s presence and gifts…are you relaxed with what you have?

Hebrews 13:5-6
Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” we can boldly quote,

God is there, ready to help;
I’m fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

If I have learned anything through this pandemic, it is to be relaxed with what I have. My closet is filled with clothes that are not being worn…I am more conscious of what is in our fridge, freezer and pantry – and making the most of every morsel. We are spending more time sitting on the porch and paying closer attention to nature. Absence has indeed made the heart grow fonder, and we are more appreciative of our relationships with family members and friends – and eager to be able to interact with them again in person.

This morning, Greg and I sat for a while on our back porch. Raindrops glistened on cedar branches. A busy squirrel scurried back and forth on a mulberry branch, stuffing his belly with the berries. Blue Jays squawked and other birds chirped and flew from tree to tree…while fluffy clouds floated by and caused the sun’s rays to dart in and out. We often enjoy sitting on our porch, and it seems like the events of these last few weeks have heightened our senses and made us even more aware of God’s beauty and order all around us.

In this season of profound loss, there are also gains…and I hope we don’t squander them. I hope that we spend less time shopping for the next gadget, gizmo or outfit and concentrate on enjoying “the little things” (which are actually BIG in the overall scheme). I pray that we remember how precious life is…and how short – that we worry less about our hair and what we own – and more about how much God has blessed us. I pray that we become increasingly aware of the gifts that God has showered on us in abundance – particularly those that are intangible, like His grace, mercy, compassion, protection, and wisdom. I pray especially that we concentrate more on people – and less on material things.

I pray that we will not lose sight of how God is with us every step of the way – even during this crisis. I pray that we will focus more clearly on seeking His will and walking in His unending love, and protection. It probably is no stretch to suggest that each of us has experienced at least a moment or two of uncertainty and despair in the last few weeks…and God understands. He is meeting us in these moments, as always, and working out all the details. As we go forward, let us release our fear and trepidation to God and seek His guidance in each step. And let us never lose the appreciation for His presence – and His good and perfect gifts.

Daily Devotional for May 25, 2020 – Are you living with faith?

Hebrews 11:1
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Memorial Day is a time to stop and remember the lives of military personnel who died while serving our country. Today, many are also making a deliberate effort to also remember the almost 100,000 Americans who have died to date from COVID-19. Regardless of the situation and circumstances surrounding personal loss, friends and loved ones are always left to wonder, “What next?” Where do we go from here? Often the question is, “How do we go on without this person?” We wonder why this happened…and more pointedly, why did God allow it?

Human loss is always an unsettling experience…and it often tests our faith. I will tell you that as the numbers have continually risen in this pandemic, I have asked God a lot of questions. Chief among them has been, “What are you showing us?” Hebrews 11:1 is a precious verse to me, because I believe it with all my heart. No matter what comes our way – even though we cannot see what is up ahead – God is waiting for us. I believe with every fiber of my being that God always has a purpose…and that we will emerge from this pandemic stronger and more confident in our relationship with Him, because of what we have experienced.

I believe that we will be able to gather in groups, hug our loved ones, and get back to the regular activities of our lives someday. I don’t know when this will happen – or how. God is giving us scientific data and experts with sound advice to guide our path, and I trust that we will listen – and follow their directives, so that this occurs sooner rather than later.

Take this verse and apply it to whatever person or situation is at the forefront of your thoughts today. Say the verse aloud, inserting the name of whatever you claim in this manner…”What is faith? It is the confident assurance that the eradication of COVID-19 and a return to social interaction is going to happen. It is the certainty that this healing is waiting for us in the future – even though I cannot see it up ahead. I trust God to work on my behalf…and I choose to live with faith.” This does not apply just to our current pandemic. You can do this any time, with whatever situation you are trusting God to handle.

Memorial Day is a great time to reflect on many of the challenges and tragedies that have befallen us as a nation – and to recognize that God always brought us through them. This is a great day to pause and thank God for His steadfast love and care – and to redouble our efforts to trust Him – and believe that He is always working out every detail.

Daily Devotional for May 24, 2020 – Learning how to keep our mouths shut – and let God fight our battles…

Exodus 14:13-14
Moses spoke to the people: “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you’re never going to see them again.

God will fight the battle for you.
And you? You keep your mouths shut!”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

I chose this translation of Exodus 14:13-14 today, because I liked how the last sentences read. In both the Contemporary English Version and the Living Bible, this last sentence ends with “you won’t have to do a thing” and “you won’t need to lift a finger!” respectively. I liked The Message translation in particular…perhaps because it really spoke to me about my own words and actions.

There have been so many days – especially in the last three months – when I have wanted to scream at someone, “What on earth do you think you’re doing?” I’ve wanted to rant and stomp my foot and ask, “How can you be so irresponsible?” In some instances, I’ve also changed the word “irresponsible” to other less kind words that I will not write here. I’ve wanted to ask countless people how they can possibly ignore the facts and plod ahead seemingly willy-nilly to “fiddle while Rome burns”.

Perhaps you have wanted to fuss and fume at someone who struggled to breathe while continuing to smoke…or a child who wouldn’t listen and kept choosing friends that didn’t meet your “standards”. Maybe you have wanted to encourage someone to change eating habits – or to tell your best friend that his/her significant other was all wrong and needed to be sent packing. Maybe you have been so upset with people who disagree with you socially, spiritually or politically…and you’ve wanted to lecture them and tell them how wrong you feel they are.

There are times when God leads us to stand up…to speak out against an injustice or unloving acts. There are also times when God gives us other avenues…when He equips us with ways to get our point across without saying a word, while He does the heavy lifting. And we need to learn which is which. God will accomplish far more than we ever can – if only we will get out of His way. Yes, God may use us to set the example…or to speak out about certain things (just not to lecture someone). There are even times when God will lead us to quietly and gently to speak with a person and present our case, in hopes of bringing about a change or resolution.

The lesson from Moses and the Israelites is to step back and let God deal with the “Egyptians” in our lives…to do what He shows us is right and true. We are called to speak and act in a way that represents God and demonstrates obedience to His commands and a willingness to serve Him faithfully and to the last letter. We are called to love others as Christ loves us…and to treat each one as we wish to be treated. In this moment, you and I must listen to God and follow His daily guidance as we do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19…and to demonstrate love, grace, mercy, patience, forgiveness, compassion, inclusion, and steadfast courage in the process. We must apply this same principle to every area of our lives – and let it guide our interactions with others at all times.

We are called to demonstrate by our own example how others can find God’s will for their lives…and follow it completely. When push comes to shove, we don’t have to lift a finger, or do a thing…and we generally should keep our mouths shut (and our fingers off the keypad as we scroll through social media posts), while we continue to serve God with humble allegiance.

Daily Devotional for May 23, 2020 – God is with us…be brave and strong!

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be brave and strong! Don’t be afraid of the nations on the other side of the Jordan. The Lord your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Yesterday, the Bishop of my denomination sent out an email about reopening churches in Arkansas. Basically, he said, “Stay the course” as prescribed earlier this month. This includes a continuance of online worship services for now as we thoughtfully and carefully plan and prepare for a safe and measured resumption of certain activities and gatherings. This was in contrast to a call from the nation’s President for all churches to reopen this weekend. Last night, news outlets were reporting outbreaks of COVID-19 across our country that were directly linked to church gatherings. One, which happened in my county in early March, affected scores of people and resulted in the death of at least four persons.

I know the pastor’s wife, who was one of those who tested positive. She is a loving, caring person who would never want to do anything to cause such a tragedy. This congregation had no idea they were infected – or that the meeting held at their church would result in such mayhem and destruction. Today, we know far more than we did just two months ago. I feel certain that no church body wants to be the source of infecting or spreading this virus – or any other disease. And while I do understand the urge and profound desire to gather and worship as fellow believers…I am completely certain that God is telling many of us, “Wait a while longer.”

Just two days ago, our governor stood at a press conference and announced that Arkansas had 455 new cases of COVID-19 – the largest number of new cases reported in a single day in our state. In the next breath, he said, “Let’s play ball!” and allowed baseball and other sports to resume practices and competitions. Some would say, “Be brave and strong…don’t cave to the fear of getting this virus.” Others say, “Be brave and strong…and stay home a little while longer to stop the spread.” Both “camps” claim that “God is with us.” And I believe this to be true.

The whole discussion is maddening…everyone wants to return to “normal”. Nobody wants to be the wet blanket who says, “Don’t rush this…let’s all hide in our homes and be afraid!” Honestly, I don’t believe that is what anyone IS saying. I believe that there are some who truly feel God has told them to be brave and strong and “get back out there”…and I pray that they will do so safely and carefully, wear a mask, and follow all recommended precautions.

For others, I believe God is saying, “Be brave and strong – and keep doing what you are doing for a while longer, for the sake of yourself and your loved ones.” In the next few weeks and months, I suspect that a lot of younger people, in particular, will leave their homes and resume “normal” activities – while many of us “older folks” will continue to stay home as much as possible and limit our in-person contact with others. Neither is necessarily wrong. When God tells us to “Be brave and strong”…perhaps He tailors this directive to our individual situations and needs…and gives us wisdom and discernment to determine which way to proceed. Either way, I do believe that God is with us…that He has not abandoned us – even those who choose to venture out and get on with it.

Each of us has to decide what is right for our particular situation. Hopefully, we will listen to God and pay attention to His guidance and directives. I do not believe for one minute that God wants any of us to live in fear and isolation – or to be quarantined in our homes for the rest of our lives. I trust that He is bringing about some big things in this “season”…and we are called upon to be patient, awake and alert to what He is doing and showing us.

This is a time to truly draw closer to God…to spend some really intimate time with Him seeking His will and purpose. I pray that we will emerge with a stronger sense of God’s presence in our lives…and who He intends each of us to be in His Kingdom. In the meantime, continue to be brave and strong – and know that God is with us, always and in all ways. Amen!

Daily Devotional for May 22, 2020 – Seeking God’s will for serving His Kingdom – even in the confines of a pandemic

Colossians 4:2-4
Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful. Be sure to pray that God will make a way for us to spread his message and explain the mystery about Christ, even though I am in jail for doing this. Please pray that I will make the message as clear as possible.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

We got something of a “jolt” yesterday, when our governor announced at his daily press conference that 455 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in our state overnight. This was the biggest number of cases reported in Arkansas in a single day…period. Meanwhile, our state began re-opening on May 4th, and indeed, some restrictions were removed even yesterday as this report emerged. This was somewhat jarring news – and a reminder that the need for self-quarantine and social distancing is still quite real and prudent for all who are able to do this.

I know that many feel like they are in a “jail” of sorts. As some have noted, “the natives are restless”. I hope that you have at least had the opportunity to step outside and take a deep breath. The half dozen or so trips I have made away from our neighborhood in the last 2½ months have done me a world of good. I pray for those who are confined to their homes…or a nursing home, hospital, or assisted living facility. I am reminded that even when there is no pandemic, many are restrained, incarcerated, and otherwise limited in social encounters – and I pray that they are experiencing God’s peace.

As I listened to the report yesterday, my heart sank (for a number of reasons). I began to think about ways that we can safely interact with those we are missing. One of my Sunday school students celebrated a birthday yesterday. His dad requested greetings, and I sent him a little video to say “Happy Birthday”. The swift response was a thank-you video in return. The little boy’s dad said he had a huge smile as he watched my message. I can do more of these. I can send more notes of encouragement. We can do more “drive-by visits” with our kiddos. We’ve had a few porch visits with neighbors and loved ones – sitting six feet apart or better…and as weather permits, we can do more of these. We can FaceTime, Zoom, call and text. These are not the same as physical interactions or hugs. Still…God is equipping us with avenues for reaching out to others.

Most importantly, I need to spend more time in prayer. I need to make my prayer time more deliberate. I’ve been spending a lot of time in recent weeks listening for God’s voice. Rather than do all the talking, I have found solace in just absorbing what God is saying and showing me. At the same time, I need to remember to verbalize my gratitude – and my petitions…to share my heart with God as something of a confession and a plea for His help and guidance.

A lot of people say that we have to figure out how to live with COVID-19…especially until a viable vaccine is available. For many of us, that means a lot more time spent at home – and away from others. It also means that we need to ask God to help us get creative…to embrace this “new normal” and figure out how we can best serve Him and enjoy our lives as we follow His directives regarding how and when to connect with the world at large.

I have been thinking about my ancestors who endured the 1918 flu pandemic. They did not have today’s technology. Communication was far more difficult…and even the tasks and challenges of everyday living presented tremendous obstacles and trials. They did not have grocery pickup, online shopping, or 24/7 cable news to give them the latest numbers, updates and recommendations. What they did have is a relationship with God…and I believe this made the difference. They communicated with God and trusted Him to show them how to navigate the uncertain path toward recovery and renewed health and strength.

The same God who cared for our ancestors is available to us today. He is ready, willing and able to guide our steps and equip us to serve Him and further His Kingdom – even in a pandemic. As we seek His will, let us pray, stay alert – and be thankful…fully confident that God will fill us with wisdom – and bless and multiply our efforts. Stay safe, stay well…and keep the faith!

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