The new decade beginning with 2020 has come with many challenges. A great storm, or seismos, has come upon our world globally in the form of COVID-19 Pandemic. In the Bible in the Book of Matthew we are told that Jesus and his disciples got into a boat in Galilee and suddenly a great seismos came upon them. The disciples were afraid and Jesus asked them why they were afraid.
Life comes with fears - war, sickness, finances, disasters. Fear can serve as a healthy purpose to change our actions-fear of the law of the land that we drive the speed limit and pay our taxes. It's not the absence of storms that sets us apart, it's the ONE that we discover in the storm. There is wisdom that comes from fearing God.
Mismanagement of our fears - trying to control a world that feels out of control, we tend to exclude God and let fear dominant our behavior and actions. God has NOT given us a Spirit of Fear - don't invite Fear in by opening the door of your heart. The fruits of the Spirit are Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.
It is not by chance that we are experiencing extreme challenges during the season of Lent. Jesus was in the garden praying to the Father when Judas led the soldiers to him. In the midst of our current crisis, will people know where to find you? Would they find you in prayer, or out trying to bury your anxiety by shopping, dining/drinking, or binge watching on Netflix?
Jesus embraced the cup God gave him to drink from. He moved toward the men who came for him. He moved toward what God had in store for him to fulfil the great promise - the promise of forgiveness and eternal life.
Today we each hold a cup the Father has given us. Each one of us is dealing with the ramifications and challenges of COVID-19. Instead of being filled with fear and paranoia, we need to embrace this cup. During this strange season, ask God to lead and guide us. Ask Him to help us to do what is wise and most pleasing in His sight.
As children of God we should not store up the bins beyond what is our normal consumption. This prohibits the poor from buying what they need on limited funds. God can and will send wind, rain and earthquakes to level those storage bins. We need to display the love of God to one another and help each other in these trying times. Don't be selfish but selfless, or God will not bestow blessings upon us.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
