Hey everyone, I hope each of you are doing - and feeling - well despite the challenges we're experiencing with the Coronavirus.
Today, I'm writing with a quick reflection for you in a small effort to help us profit from this trying time.
There are many lessons we could take away, but here's one that's smacking me in the face.
The Coronavirus shows us who we really are.
Sin Revealed
I'm not sure about you, but my family and I (all 6 of us) are more or less confined to our home all day, everyday.
To be honest, the results have been... not very good.
Especially for me.
I've been way more grouchy. Less patient. Far more demanding and angry as the virus leads to more limits and restrictions.
I've felt like the Israelites during their time in Egypt. Having to make the same amount of bricks, yet gather my own straw.
In other words, as my circumstances have become harder, God is showing me that I'm far more self-reliant, and far more dependent on things going my way, than I had ever seen before.
These shortcomings have always been there, but as I'm increasingly stripped of my routines, comforts and margin, I'm seeing more and more who I really am.
A Severe Mercy
And that's a good thing.
Though it's painful, I'm thankful for this severe mercy. Through the Coronavirus, God is showing me who I really am.
There's no way, of course, we can comprehend all that God is doing through the Coronavirus. But, we know from Scripture that God tests his people.
- For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. (Psalm 66:10)
- He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. (John 6:6)
- The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. (Proverbs 17:3)
Whatever else the Coronavirus may be, it's at least a test that reveals what's really in our hearts.
God's Grace To Us Through The Coronavirus
But God's testing is always for a good purpose, even when our circumstances are painful.
'Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.' (James 1:2-4)
As the stresses, limits and failures resulting from this 'trial' continue to grow, if we respond in joy and faith, James says that:
- we will become 'steadfast', firm and unwavering in our relationship with Christ;
- 'perfect and complete' and 'lacking nothing' - in other words, even though we won't be truly perfect in this life, God is making us more holy - like him - through these hard times.
It's hard, but entirely worth it in the end.
What About You?
Okay, it's your turn. I don't want you to waste the Coronavirus! 😀
Here are some quick application questions for you:
- What is God revealing to you about you through the Coronavirus?
- How will you become more 'perfect and complete' - more like Christ - if you respond faithfully with his help? (Be as specific as possible.)
Please let me know if there are specific ways I can be praying for you. I will read, and pray for, every request I receive.
--
PS Here are some resources that may encourage you during this season. They're not specifically about the Coronavirus, but touch on themes it's bringing up... at least for me.
- Enduring Trials God's Way - a great book by my friend, Scott LaPierre
- What To Do When God Feels Far Away (Parts One & Two; blog posts)
- 7 Way To Fight For Your Marriage After The Honeymoon Is Over - the Coronavirus tends to place additional stresses on our marriages and relationships!
Well, this situation has opened my eyes to the fact that we all have different understandings and levels of faith, and the need therefore, to accommodate those of different persuasions than I may have.
My prayer request is that the good Lord will keep me and all those connected with me safe, sound and secure to the praise of His glory.