I'm just a girl trying to survive life at this point... literally. But then again I think that's the status of the whole world right now, right? What really just happened though?? Yes, the corona virus. Yes, church shut downs. Yes, job alterations. Yes, travel restrictions. What happened isn't insurmountable. It's not the end of the world (though it kinda feels like it sometimes). What really happened was that we were made vulnerable. We were placed out of our comfort zones. Our normal routines were ripped away from us. We have to live life a little differently at the moment.
I personally have had several disappointments since March. First, the annual Pressing Forward conference scheduled for May had to be postponed. Secondly. I had plans to take a trip across the globe to visit my relatives for a couple weeks. It was completely cancelled. Next, I had just started a Sunday school class for the church kids that I was really excited about, but our church can't meet right now. Lastly, (the one that has affected my life the most) my job changed very drastically which has been and continues to be a struggle.
I know everyone one of us can list off what we had to cancel and how our daily routines are different now. I understand everyone's feelings. I know the disappointments, the tears, the aching hearts, the worries, the fears, the uncertainty of the future... every last one of us can sympathize with the next. This is a very unique period in history and we are all going through this together.
However, I'd just like to encourage you with five little words...
this is just a chapter.
This is not our whole life. This season of difficulty is not meant to last forever. God's design for human lives is not to suffer all the time. There is a happier season coming.
Usually in books it is at the climax that the characters reveal who they really are. Some are heroes. Some make sacrifices for others. Some give up. Some fight for all their worth. Some conquer. Some lose.
Our lives are like a book. Everyone's story is different, unique, and special in different ways, so don't try to compare. At this moment though I think everyone's chapters are similar. Very similar. It is during this period in our lives that will determine what the next chapter holds. I believe God is trying to teach us powerful lessons through this time. Will we come out stronger? Weaker? Will we have greater faith? Will we lose sight of God? It's up to each of us to not lose sight of what's important amidst all the chaos and uncertainty.
In the meantime let's pray. Pray for our countries. Our leaders. Each other. Our pastors. Our families. Our missionaries. Don't forget to pray for yourself as well. Pray that God will use this chapter to strengthen each and every one of us. Pray that we will be strong in the Lord. Pray that His will be done. Pray for us to come out of this crisis even closer to God and more willing to serve Him.
Just remember that God is the Author of our lives and all of this...
is just a chapter.