Last night, I panicked. For the first time since the news of the spreading Coronavirus began infiltrating every media venue in which I engaged, a shock of fear hit my chest. An image across the tv screen pierced my soul. The reality of the landfall hit of the storm became real. Each day, I felt the gut wrenching consequences inch closer.
People diagnosed in my community.
Graduation ceremonies cancelled
Communities quarantined
Jobs lost, businesses closing
And it all felt too much. It felt as if the world was spinning out of control and I wanted off.
But God speaks into my fear: “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” Matthew 6:34
I remember that encountering unexpected circumstances is nothing new. Navigating life in this place naturally leads us to crossroads and detours. The temptation to depend on human driven logic to maintain control lures. We jump to grasp our hands on anything that may prevent the catastrophes playing out in the mind. Those items become our “golden calves.” As Michelle Reyes says ” There’s nothing saying that our stash of toilet paper, food, disinfectant, or hand sanitizer will save us. It’s one thing to be prepared; it’s another to ascribe to the objects we buy a magical aura of protection. ” http://www.theartoftaleh.com/crisis-mode-struggling-to-find-a-christian-response-to-covid-19/
So I am choosing to trust God. Even when I know the future is unknown. Even when hardship surrounds me and inches closer. Because God holds me through each day no matter what happens. And that promise is enough.
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I agree, Stephanie, it is a choice not to panic but trust. Thank you for the reminder.
“So I am choosing to trust God. Even when I know the future is unknown. Even when hardship surrounds me and inches closer. Because God holds me through each day no matter what happens. And that promise is enough.” Thank you for this comforting, calming, and more importantly, true reminder, Stephanie. “So I am choosing to trust God… Because God holds me through each day no matter what happens.” I can trust the One who holds me. Amen. Amen. Visiting from FMF.
Thank you for stopping by!
“And that promise is enough.” Five such powerful words and ones desperately needed in this uncertain time! I have to remind myself often that how I react is my choice. Your words have been an encouragement to me, Stephanie!
For some reason, WordPress is not letting my attempts to comment through.
One last try…
Yes, these days are brutal
and hope’s a fraying cord;
yet, it is not futile
to place trust in the Lord.
Think upon the Roman days
when He chose to be a man
and went through all the awful ways
to suffer at mere human hands
as a hated individual,
member of an oppressed race,
dying tortured in the mortal
as the only way to give us grace.
Yes, these times may seem a curse,
but this God of ours, He’s seen far worse.
I have been thinking of that reality. We forget that other countries and other generations have faced (still do) atrocities and suffering. But you are right, God has been faithful through it.