Being a Light in the Dark New Reality

     In the last few weeks, we have all experienced some changes we never thought we would see in our lifetimes.  No longer do we gather in our churches for worship.  Now we watch our services online.  Even Bible studies, home groups and youth groups are meeting online due to the pandemic spreading across our country.  Certainly this is something none of us ever considered a possibility.  However, there has never been a better time to use the technology that God has allowed us to develop over the years.  While safely remaining in our homes to limit exposure, we are able to see others over the internet and even pray together.  Certainly, it is not as warm as when we can be near one another, but it certainly beats the isolation people must have felt during the Plague.  With this in mind, lets look at the positive things that God is doing through this calamity.
     First, families are being together for longer periods of time than ever before.  Those of us who are working or have worked at some point often longed for more time with our spouse and children.  Like it or not, God has given us time to grow in this area.  For those who are now having to home school their children for a while, the Bible can now be taught daily in the curriculum.  There is time for prayer and eating together rather than running in ten different directions.  Children can learn new practical skills like cooking, baking, cleaning the house, and helping with the laundry.  On top of all this, there is time to have family devotions.  Deuteronomy 11:19 tells us this about teaching our children God's truth:  "Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."  Now is the perfect opportunity.
     Secondly, this is a great opportunity for us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ over social media, and when we encounter our neighbor (while observing social distancing).  Being on Facebook, Instagram, Parler or Twitter, there are many ways we can share Scripture, point to Christ, and proclaim our faith.  Each day, I have been uplifted by hymns, Christian musicians, and even pastors who take the time to offer a moment of prayer for our nation via Facebook
.  This is happening all over the internet. I have been surprised that even on Twitter, which is usually very contentious, people are talking more and more about prayer, the Lord Jesus Christ and how we can help one another at this time.  Remember the admonition that the Apostle Paul gave us in 2 Timothy 4:2:  "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction."  This is our call and especially now when we have a captive audience so to speak on the internet or even in our neighborhood.  We have prayed for a revival.  So let it begin with us.
     Finally, God has given us an opportunity to build our trust in Him through prayer.  This current pandemic is beyond our control.  No one can wave a magic wand and make it go away.  The doctors, nurses, first responders and military are doing all they can along with our leaders to stop this infection, but ultimately, God is sovereign.  He controls all things and desires that we depend on Him.
As the Apostle Paul clearly told Timothy (in 2 Timothy 1:7):  "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-control. "  Other versions say "a spirit of fear".  We are not to be afraid of the things we are seeing.  Instead, this is a chance where we can lean into the everlasting arms for comfort and strength.  He is our refuge and our rock and we cannot be shaken.
     As we think on these positives, lets remember that the world and the Enemy of our Soul would rather drag us down into fear and insecurity.  Since Jesus has overcome the world, the flesh and the Devil by His death and resurrection, we, too, can be overcomers at this time on the earth since we belong to Him.  May we shine as lights in this dark world right now and add salt to our world by standing strong in Jesus Christ and using every opportunity to do good while we can.  Selah!