Julie chose to join us. We prayed for our families and our leaders. For those who have already lost loved ones to this virus.
I posted on Facebook this weekend that as for my family, we would be cautious but we refuse to live in fear. Psalm 91:1 came to mind. I posted this after we went to see I Still Believe, Friday afternoon. Jeremy Camp's story. One of my favorite songs is Walk by Faith. Imagine the pain he endured to write such a poignant song.
Each day, I want to walk in faith, and yes, I come up woefully short many days. But I do believe Jesus when he said this...
I prayed particularly for people who are living in fear of the coronavirus. People who have chosen to hoard toilet paper and other supplies. They are taking from their neighbors in an attempt to calm their fears. I doubt very seriously that a supply room of toilet paper is going to abate your fears. And if this has you terrified, how many other things do you routinely live in fear of? I suspect quite a bit.
And while I am the least of the least in the Kingdom of God. I want to tell you that you don't have to live like this. There is another way and it is not through any religion or even a certain denomination that makes you feel comfortable. I have news for you. Jesus did not call you and me to be comfortable.
How can you not surrender to fear? Simple. Ask Jesus into your heart. Will you never be afraid again? No. But that moment when you feel his presence and you know that he is real. It shapes you for the remainder of your days. Regardless, of where you go or the choices you make.
One of my thoughts this morning is how we make God so complex. We forget how simple Jesus made it for all of us. Imagine if we lived this, especially today.
What if today we chose to do the following?
Heed President Trump's declaration for a national day of prayer.
Forget about whether you are a Republican, Democrat, or Independent.
Turn off FOX NEWS, MSNBC, CNN & all the rest. Just because the channel of your preference shares what you tend to think that does not mean they don't slant the news. Some people spend the majority of their lives arguing politics on social media. Calling each other names because you view politics differently. Is that your calling in life? What are you accomplishing? Have you changed anyone's viewpoint by name-calling? If you are indeed a believer is that loving your neighbor as yourself?
What if we all chose today to put aside our differences and pray for our nation, earnestly and sincerely?
Full disclosure I feel like Julie and I have been in a season of testing, in the desert, for over two years. I can recall the moment I knew it was coming. Have I been frustrated and shook my fist at God wondering where he is? Yes.
But I still believe.
I am here today. I am praying for our nation and for the world. I am praying some good comes from this. I am praying for this virus to dissipate. What if we all unplugged from the news, from social media, for a time of your choosing and sought God, not just for ourselves, but for our nation? For the world?
What if we let go of our fears and considered our neighbor?
What if you even offered to share that toilet paper you have hoarded in the supply closet?
And my comfort is this. If I contract the coronavirus tomorrow and I die before the week is out.
I still believe.
