I’ve never seen so much “head scratching”. Our world, nation, state and community have been hit by a “double-whammy”. (Like this very technical language?) An invading virus has struck with speed and force resulting in death, isolation, fear, and now financial uncertainty. The world’s attention is riveted on the crisis.
All or most of us have watched the number of confirmed cases and the dead rapidly rising while a week ago watching the stock market plummet. Retirement income, fortunes, and jobs have been lost. Experts are using the “D”-word. They wonder whether we will not just find our economy in a deep recession, but even depression.
Technology allows us to continue to fulfill some of our work responsibilities, thankfully. Along with our work, Beckie and I get to care for and teach our grandson, Watson, since His Mom has been called back to work. Yeah, God! for that. But routine has been thrown out the window and peace and quiet of home environment is compromised or lost. I’m sure your world has experienced sudden change as well.
Friends, we could allow fear to overwhelm us, but I would encourage us to remember our God is known as El Shaddai, God Almighty. I encourage you to turn to Him and trust Him with your life and your livelihood. Jesus invites us to trust Him in amid the “troubles” in the world.
History has account after account when His people answered the call to turn to Him. One of the most remembered passages is 2 Chronicles 7:14. He tells us, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Those accounts document how God miraculously brought healing, restoration and reformation.
Certainly, God did not cause the Coronavirus. But He can use any situation for our good. His Word tells us in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”
With these promises in mind, I invite all people are being called to turn to our loving, powerful God. Two organized opportunities are before us to unite in prayer. The first occurs tomorrow, Sunday, March 29. We’re called to fast and pray for God’s healing of the land of the virus and our economy. The second opportunity is scheduled for this Saturday, April 4. ONECHURCH pastors are inviting their congregations to join together in spirit from living rooms all over San Juan County, to seek God’s face and pray as we ask Him to heal our land. It’s ONECHURCH Prayer Day. We are one body. We are one voice. We are ONECHURCH.
Our hope is best placed, not in the government, not in technology, but in the Living God who sent His Son, Jesus, to live among us and offer salvation. Whoever you are, know that God loves you. He cares for you. You can trust Him with all you hold precious. I invite us all to believe in Him, to trust Him, and seek Him and anticipate His doing might things.
I am hopeful that next week we will be able to bring a video Palm Sunday message. We’ll share details later in the week. Know that as your pastor and friend, I’m lifting you all in prayer.
Pastor Brian
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