Hi, friends. How are you doing lately? Still hanging in there? It’s crazy to think it’s been almost four weeks since this “new normal” began, and yet, here we are, figuring it out and navigating through it all. Still, I miss my family and friends. I have an adorable niece that was born a couple weeks ago that I have yet to meet in person, but I’m confident it will be soon. While I’m happy at home, I do miss going into stores, eating at restaurants, and people watching. The interactions and experiences of daily life that we regularly enjoyed. I can’t complain, though. We live in a nice, comfortable home with good neighbors. I’m on furlough, but Derek is still working. We are in good health. My family is in good health. God is still in control.
My dad has consistently checked in and sent encouragement that has meant so much to me. I appreciate updates from my family. And I am so grateful for God’s Word and time with Him. He is my strength and hope in all of the uncertainty. I’m inspired and encouraged by the kindness and love I continue to see from our community, our nation and world. This has been a life-changing experience for everyone, and I hope we learn from it, are made stronger by it, and cherish the moments of today and tomorrow.
At times I’ve felt anxious about doing as much as possible with this time we have. But lately, I’ve settled down, and things happened. I finished a book and started another one, went to church online, took care of my husband while he battled a days long migraine, participated in a drive-by birthday parade for a friend, read my Bible, started a new Netflix series, listened to a couple teachings, and even found a couple ways to help my community.
Here’s where I’m at in all of this. No matter what is happening in the world around us, God’s purpose and plan hasn’t changed. He remains constant in Who He is. His purpose and plan for us hasn’t changed either. We are first called into fellowship with Him – to seek Him and to love Him with all that we are and to love others, too. Wherever we are. Whatever season we are in. Eyes fixed on Jesus. And He provides and equips us for every good work!
Lately, I’ve been reading the gospel of Matthew. Jesus often retreated to pray and meet with the Father. Even in storms and chaos, He was at peace. His priority and purpose never changed, and He never wavered in what He was here to do. It’s easy to get distracted by so much of the noise around us, but we have to be diligent to sneak away and tune it out. To get still and listen for that often quiet Voice that speaks to us. To rest in Him.
Be faithful where God has you. Maybe your ministry is at home right now, loving and serving your family. Maybe you’ve been called to serve on the front lines in your community. Maybe your heart is to encourage or give or inspire. Keep going. Keep praying for our leaders and those on the front lines. Keep loving people. Keep running the race. If you feel faint, look up. What has He told us? “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” 2 Corinthians 12:9 and that those who wait on Him will renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31
No matter what, let’s keep going. Let’s remain steadfast where He has placed us. Let’s rest in His Presence. He is faithful. He is constant. He is good. May we continue to surrender our days and our lives for His glory.
“let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
