We are in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. Whether real or imagined, a judgment from God or a man-made crisis - it is here. And we are in it.
Take a deep breath. Meditate on Psalm 46:10. "Be still and know that I am God."
He is still on His throne and in complete control. Nothing has caught Him by surprise.
When Queen Esther was overwhelmed by the thought of what was required of her, Mordecai posed a question to her. . . . Who knows if perhaps you were born for just such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)
Every one of us is alive today because God planned it that way.
You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalms 139:16)
So what is required of us? Why are we here?
You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Peter 2:9)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Your faith is going to be tested. That is the purpose of a trial.
Are you ready?
Remember, God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
He will direct us in the way that we should go. Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go," whether to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)
There is a discussion among believers about how we should respond to the self-quarantine/shelter in place message. Both sides of the question can be supported by scripture.
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. (Romans 13:1)
So that means we obey and stay put. No gatherings of more than a few people and no unnecessary trips out.
But scripture also says, "let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25)
Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than any human authority. (Acts 5:29)
So maybe we're supposed to gather after all.
And then we read: Go home, my people, and lock your doors! Hide yourselves for a little while until the LORD's anger has passed. (Isaiah 26:20)
And we're back to staying home again!
James 1:8 says A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
So what is the answer?
It is simple. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. James 4:8
The Holy Spirit will guide you. Some will gather, some will not. One day He may say go, and another day He may say stay. Remember that He is in charge, we are His servants.
We are blessed to have access to phones, computers, internet, text and email. We can communicate freely, encouraging, praying and sharing.
My prayer is that you all will have a very blessed day. Enjoy time in the presence of our Lord and Saviour. All is good..
"This is the day that the Lord has made. We shall rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:24)
