- If you had told me 2 weeks ago that churches in America would shut their doors to gathering, I would have laughed.
- If you would have told me 2 weeks ago that there would be lines outside grocery stores in an effort to curb mass hoarding, I would have laughed.
- If you would have told me that San Francisco would be in lock down, I would have reminded you that the homeless population is to great for it to work.
- If you would have told me 2 weeks ago that a majority of the schools in America would be closed, and teachers providing lessons from home, I would have told you that you are crazy.
Yet, here we are.
I remember in early January hearing about this virus in a part of China that I had never heard of. And if not for this virus, I probably never would have heard of Wuhan, or learn how to spell/pronounce it.
And even as the weeks went by, and seeing the virus spread to Europe, and seeing China lock down its society, I don't think I ever thought it would come to America. Even after it did hit the shores of America, I don't think I rationalized it spreading like it has, and as fast as it has. Add in the media parroting that it is just like the flu - I kept pondering why were people freaking out.
We all know China is communist, and if you have ever studied any history you know that:
Communism = No rights, No opinions, Much oppression
So seeing Communist China take draconian measures against their own people is not out of step with who they are as a country/government. It did prompt me to pray more for the people of China, as their already questionable quality of life was drastically changed even more.
But then Italy....
Lock down of all citizens, their healthcare infrastructure crumbling from the burden, over 35,000 cases confirmed, with over 3,000 deaths. This made me realize that maybe something bigger is going on. In my regular shopping I picked up some extra rice, the next size up on toilet paper from what I usually buy, an extra box of my kids favorite snacks. I have been doing this now for a few weeks. And honestly, I live on the Gulf Coast of Texas, hurricane season is knocking at the door, so if nothing comes of the virus, I will be prepared a bit early...I thought to myself.
Then came Spring Break.
We stayed home, had a staycation, because we have been faithfully working to pay off debt. My kids knew no different, I sent them outside to play, we read, my daughter learned to use her rubber-band loom (and we are all now sporting some fabulous creations). Wednesday night we went to church, but that is when this virus started to change us in noticeable ways. Instead of meeting in our chapel, a more intimate setting for the smaller service we hold weekly, we met in our very large worship center. Doors were open so people didn't have to touch them. And notes were posted about stepped up cleaning practices, and please use the available hand sanitizer that is available.
The news media started informing us each state having confirmed cases, then the deaths.
The next day schools started talking about not being open the next week. Then it became action, many schools would close the week after Spring Break in hopes to stop the spread of CoVID-19. My own place of employment followed suit, and we had to implement distance learning. All while this is going on, cases of the virus hit every state but West Virginia, which 2 days ago confirmed its first case.
Our church then announced no in person services, all church functions and events cancelled for the immediate future. Many churches have followed suit. I am thankful we live in the day and age we do, this past Sunday I was able to steam online and hear my Pastor preach out of Psalm 46.
Psalm 46 (NASB)
God the Refuge of His People.
For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah,set to Alamoth. A Song.
46 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
And the closures are now beyond a week. Many schools are closing through April 10th. The governor of Texas just mandated all schools (public/private) to switch to remote learning through April 3. Restaurants/Bars - dine in closed, carry out/delivery only. Gyms (which my husband owns one) now must close.
I cannot even say month by month or week by week life is changing. These past few weeks show that by the hour your life can change. I referred 3 people this morning to my husband's gym, and now we are having to lock the door.
To say these are uncertain times would be the biggest understatement.
BUT
God is control. God has a plan. God has a way. God loves us.
None of this caught God unaware.
What all is going on, God is allowing. For many, many years He has been trying to get the attention of everyone:
- to the unbeliever, He wants them to believe
- to the believer, He wants to grow their faith
- to the leaders, follow Him
- to the husband, love his wife as Christ loves the church
Folks, lets be nice. Let's pray for each other. Check on your neighbors. Give each other a break, be supportive.
Maybe turn the news off. Be mindful of what you read/share online. It is in times like these that many false messages spread - they do more harm then good. As believers, just remember, we are in the hands of the Father, and we cannot be snatched from His hand. EVER!
I leave you with some scriptures from God's word:
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you;my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 34:10b Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
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