This Is Our Moment
We’ve never been here before. The talking heads are blowing up. Their descriptives are practically apocalyptic. It’s sort of amazing the economy was moving right along, healthy, at all times highs. Hard to believe that was just two weeks ago. There have been more thousand point swings than in the history of the markets. A Doctor friend of mine said we will see 500,000 deaths in the US over this virus, a stock broker told me it was going to be wise than The Great Depression, a preacher friend said that any church that met today was being irresponsible. Churches that two weeks ago had never even considered cancelling a service for anything, cancelled yesterday. A few “don’t quit” thoughts:
Yes, this is unique, but it may actually just be the future. Listen, anxiety always increased when faith decreases. Some of you will become news junkies during this time, I tend to do that. We have the opportunity to be a voice of faith in the midst of panic. But we must nurture our faith and be spiritually healthy to do that.
No, you and I have never been here before, but God has. He has not been surprised by anything that has happened. He is not panicking. His plans and purposes are sovereign. He is not worried about the future. In His Omnipresence He is already in the future and as we move there we are only moving to where He is. The risen Lord always goes before us.
This time will bring opportunities to us. I write this from South Carolina where yesterday the Governor called for a basic shutdown. As he did he called on churches to check on others, to serve. This is our moment to shine our lights brightly in our communities as voices of faith and people of compassion. Discuss how you can make the most of this time.
This was shared with me Friday and I thought of you: “When Martin Luther was dealing with The Black Death plague, he wrote these wise words that can help inform the way we approach things happening in our world right now…'I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash no foolhardy and does not tempt God.’" Luther's Works Volume 43 pg 132 the letter "Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague" written to Dr. John Hess
Don’t quit now, you are needed more than ever. This is our time to shine for Him. God bless you. We are praying for you.