I don’t think I’m alone in saying, I never thought I’d live to see a moment like we’re currently living in. In 2019, a new strand of the coronavirus named COVID-19 originated in China (according to researchers) and began making its way around the world. Since that time, the issue has become a wide-spread one that has made its way throughout Europe and into the United States. Many are suffering from the sickness. Some have even died from it. As a result, churches are being forced to shut down and go to live-streaming methods. Restaurants are shutting down their dining areas and resorting to carry-out/pick-up only. Certain medical items and specific grocery items are selling out quickly in grocery stores. Many shelves are going empty with no certainty of being restocked any time soon. The stock market is spiraling downward at an alarming rate. Confusion, fear, and pandemonium is gripping our country and others.
If I’m being honest, while this situation has brought me mild apprehension, I’ve never once felt fearful. Actually, this morning, I woke up with renewed faith. From the moment my feet hit the ground I sensed this time period is one of supernatural realignment and refocus. I don’t call myself (or proclaim to be) a prophet. But I want to share what I believe the Holy Spirit has shared with me. For far too long our society, specifically the Christian community, has lost sight of God. We have become so enamored with our personal lives and fleshly desires that we have shifted our focus to other things. We have become more self-focused and selfish in all we do.
There has been an underlying remnant of believers praying for quite some time that God would bring revival and renewal to the church. I firmly believe that time has arrived. Let me explain. There are many things God does that doesn’t make sense to me. Personally, it leaves me wondering why He would do this or that; why He would use this or that to further His kingdom. Folks, I’m here to remind you, God will do whatever it takes to get our attention. Do I believe He sent this sickness as punishment? No. I don’t believe our God is malicious in that way. He doesn’t desire to harm us. But did He allow it? I firmly believe He did. Because He knew He could bring something beautiful from it. In this moment, the alarm has been triggered. Much like the sound that comes from our own alarm clocks in the morning and drives us awake from our slumber and laziness. We have been lulled asleep by the enemy long enough and now we are being awakened to the necessity of springing into action as we never have before. We are waking up to a new world around us. While some older methods of ministry may work, the church is going to need to become more creative in how we minister to the lost. The methods must change. But the message never will.
We get frustrated when things don’t go as we think they should. We get mad at God when we’re made to endure something we never asked to endure. Sometimes our blessings are going to come through things we never prayed or asked for. There are moments we’re going to have to endure the storm before we receive the harvest. There will be times we may be forced to endure tears to find healing that only He can give. Sometimes things need to fall apart before they can be put back together like they should have been all along. God can use the most terrible of situations and create something beautiful from it. And I believe He is doing that right now. Don’t be afraid of it. Walk forth boldly, my friends!
Lastly, the church has never been about a building or the meetings that take place inside it. You, my friend, are the church. I am the church. God is not limited by location or time constraints as we are. Ministry is not (and CANNOT) be limited by someone’s ability to get to a church building. The church goes where we go. WE ARE THE CHURCH! This is a time Christian’s can stand up and bring the peace only God gives amid confusion in any and every situation. As I’ve stated before, we can choose to be a thermostat or a thermometer. A thermometer takes on the temperature of whatever/wherever it is. A thermostat sets the temperature. Allow the God in you to set the temperature of whatever environment you enter. Don’t allow fear to creep in and control you. And surely don’t allow it to spread from you. God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear. Fear comes from the enemy.
We would also do well to stay prepared. That can be taken in any number of ways. Sure, it’s wise to keep extra medical supplies and non-perishable groceries and necessities set aside for moments such as these. Our currently reality is a reminder of such. But we can also remain prepared spiritually. Even when we can’t get to a Bible in our time of need, if we “hid His words in our heart” as scripture instructs us, we can call on it at any time. Stay ready. Stay prepared. Stay alert. Be His hands and feet. CHOOSE to live in peace only He can give.
That’s all I’ve got for you today—and I’m sure that’s enough to chew on for a while. I’m praying for you, my friends. And remember, you are not alone!!!! Please reach out to me if there’s any way I can serve you.
Now, GO BE THE CHURCH!! I love you all dearly!!!
Side note: I’d encourage you to go read Psalm 91 and meditate on it today and in the coming days. It will minister to you as only His word can.
Photo by Liam Briese on Unsplash