The Coronavirus Pandemic is in full swing. Schools and businesses are closed. Nursing homes and hospitals are on lock-down. Travel plans have been cancelled. We’re all reeling from the uncertainty, the inconvenience, and the economic impact the virus has caused. In the midst of the panic, I can’t help but think; I Prayed for this.
Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t pray for contagious illness, toilet paper shortages, or rampant unemployment. What I did pray for though was a slower pace of life, for more time with my family, and for neighbors to care for others above self.
Maybe you prayed for some of these things, too.
Good things have come out of the Pandemic. The lonely plight of nursing home residents has been highlighted on the evening news. School teachers and administrators have been given proper recognition. Doctors, nurses, and medical personnel have been venerated. Support for small businesses has bloomed. Families have been given a reprieve from their non-stop schedules. This difficult, uncomfortable, challenging, and scary situation has produced a multitude of blessings.
I believe God has a purpose for pain and suffering. Time and again throughout the Bible, God allowed affliction, pain, and insurmountable odds to teach lessons and create believers. Most powerful of all, He allowed His own perfect Son to die for our sins.
So tomorrow when I find myself worrying about unemployment, how to keep the kids busy, or how to keep mom & dad safe from the virus, I’m going to purposefully redirect my thoughts and thank God for the gifts of this situation instead.
After all, I prayed for this.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning. – Psalm 30:5
Stay Safe!
6 Comments
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Beautifully said Amy. Thank you for sharing your heart & Godās love. I truly believe this was Godās plan to bring us all together. Joy will come in the morning. š
Amy thank you so very much. Great message and it sure hit me. I have been praying for something to happen in my life and praise God it happened . I am crying tears of great joy. Believe me I have thanked the Good Lord many times today. God is Good all the time but sometimes we have to wait till God’s time to answer. THANK YOU AGAIN. Hugs and prayers sent to you
Lois, It’s so great to hear from you, and I’m so glad to hear that God is moving in a good way for you, and I thank you for your support. God Bless you!
Amy, Thank you for sharing such an inspirational message. About a year ago I sough out a business and personal life mentor because I was quite frankly overwhelmed in my journey and finding a hard time figuring out how to get my priorities right. So much travel, so much work, never enough time for me or the ones I loved. I too prayed for this. I am learning now more than ever that we must Trust that God knows what is best, and surrender to his will and grace. Thank you again for reinforcing this.
You aren’t alone, Bart. I’ve struggled with this balance, too. I’m grateful that in the midst of this Pandemic, you’ve found blessings.