April 2020 - Pandemic
Pandemic – that word never meant much to me. Pandemics are historic things that happened before there was medicine or in countries that are not as sophisticated as the USA.
Wrong.
The Coronavirus is here, and it is affecting every aspect of life as we know it. In the last couple of weeks I have been asked “What do you think Tom would say about all of this?” Well, I don’t know, but as I think back over Tom’s many surgeries during his last 7 years, he would say to me, “Don’t worry about me, all I have to do is lay there. My job is easy. PRAY for the doctors - they have the hard job.”
And, really that is fitting for us. All we have to do is STAY HOME. Self- Isolate. Don’t go out.
Wait. For this to pass. Wait.
I don’t know about you, but for me it was kind of fun – at first. Like a snow day in the Midwest. But now the waiting is nerve wracking. It brings anxiety, worry and many questions that no one has answers to. How long will this last? What about my job? What about my family? What about the economy? When can we go back to normal?
I don’t know.
But I do know that God is bigger than this. I do know that He is still in control. I do know that He is with us. I do know His promises are true. I do know He is faithful.
“What you know trumps what you feel. . .”
God has this and He will be faithful through the Coronavirus. He can give you hope in the midst of this REALLY difficult time of uncertainty and hardship for you and your family. He is still God and He will use this for our good and His glory. Here is a great lesson from Tom about God’s fulfillment of prophecy and His sovereignty throughout time:
So, how about if you lean into it and do some of those house projects you never had time for? How about reading those books on your shelf? How about cleaning out the garage? Cooking a new meal? Or, listen and watch some of Tom’s messages at https://www.prioritylivingaz.org/ I am sure he’ll make you laugh.
And, while you are at it, ask yourself
What am I grateful for?
How do I see God working today?
Who am I checking in with today?
What unhelpful thought should I let go of today so that I have more peace?
Tom would say, “Don’t screw this up.”
Do your part; adhere to social distancing if you must go out and mostly, just stay home. Keep your family, friends and community safe and healthy. And, please do pray for those on the front lines – the medical personnel, grocery store workers, delivery people, our leaders, etc.
This too will pass. I am sure of it.
In Him,
Sandy Shrader
Executive Director
saeps2@yahoo.com