One of the best indicators of spiritual growth is that we remain calm in the face of crisis, adversity and danger. Panic is more contagious than calm. The more “news” we absorb right now, the more we’re inclined to panic. All we need is 10 minutes a day to get informed and that’s enough. I just turn off the news and listen to music!
Consider these two questions: God designed us to make a difference with our lives. How often do you think about others before yourself? Are you buying up toilet paper, food and hand sanitizer for your own family or are you also purchasing items for others? Does fear rule your thinking or are you trusting in your Lord?
We are going to give our lives for something. What will it be—a career, a sport, a hobby, fame, wealth? Our current crisis shows us that none of these have lasting significance. We should ask the Lord to help us learn all that He has for us in this trial! Every crisis gives us an opportunity to make something new possible. So what does the Covid virus crisis make possible in our lives? Here are a few things we can do:
This is a time to deepen our relationship/trust with our Lord Jesus. He is interested in more than our happiness. If you are a believer, the Lord is making you into a person who will live with him for eternity. Our current crisis is meant to be a faith builder.
Spend more time with your family. Call/text/Zoom friends and extended family. Inspire and lift others ~ we all are thirsty for encouragement because it gives courage!
Join a church small group to stay connected with Zoom. Social distancing makes it easy to feel isolated and alone. By joining you can easily stay connected with your friends, communicate about topics you care about, and help each other.
Volunteer to help neighbors in need. Share a random act of kindness. At times like this, we could all use a bit of neighborly kindness to lift our spirits. Drop off groceries for those that are homebound or hop on the phone to check in on elderly and at-risk neighbors. Spring is in the air and it is a beautiful time… take a walk with a neighbor!
Support local businesses. Local businesses are closing their doors and struggling to stay afloat. It is more important than ever to show your love for local and continue to support them. Buy gift certificates to enjoy later or ordering food for takeout and no-contact delivery.
Be smart. Picking up a rattlesnake and calling it “faith” isn’t real faith. It’s foolishness.
To remain calm and use the current crisis for game-changing opportunities is a paradigm shift compared to what the world is doing right now (along with many “Christians” who’ve hit the panic button). Use the CALM acronym to Celebrate God’s goodness, Ask God for help, Leave your concerns with Him, and Meditate on good things.
We can’t control what’s happening on the national and international scene. But we can control our reaction to it all. Here are the words of Martin Luther concerning The Black Plague death of his day when 48% of Europe was wiped out. They apply well 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 nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.”
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