I saw a post on Facebook that compared the Coronavirus to a storm. For the majority of us, it’s just a little sprinkle. It affects us, but not in a major way. For some it’s a storm, causing excessive stress and anxiety. For others, it’s a hurricane, affecting loved ones and maybe even themselves. For those of you dealing with the sprinkle, let’s not cast away the feelings of those who are more affected than us.
Within a month, the Coronavirus has completely reshaped the way I do life. I’m stuck at home, my classes are online, and all events have been canceled. I worry about allowing myself to become lazy, do the bare minimum, and just survive this trying time. Instead, my goal is to focus on the Creator, the one who holds the heavens and earth in his hands, trust that He is working out everything for my good, reflect, relax, strengthen my earthly relationships, and thrive.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has gathered the dust of the earth in a measure or weighed the mountains on a balance and the hills on the scales? Isaiah 40:12 (CSB)
Focus on the Creator. We’ve been presented with the unique opportunity of seemingly endless free time. Some people choose to fill their time sleeping or watching movies. However, I urge you to spend time in the Word. Prioritize your relationship with God like never before. Spend the hours praying, reading, and studying God’s Word. Dive in, learn, and grow closer to your Savior than ever before.
Reflect and relax. My life is crazy. I bounce from school, where I’m heavily involved, to church, to work, and more constantly. I’m sure you can relate. I rarely have enough time to breathe, much less reflect and relax. I want my life to change as a result of this period of time, to focus on the things I want to do better, and live according to what’s most important. I don’t know about you, but I would love for my life to be less busy and more Christ-centered as a result of the Coronavirus. I have the chance to relax and spend time with my family, a luxury that was extremely rare a month ago.
Strengthen your earthly relationships. Since all this began, I’ve had to be creative about how I get in touch with my people. I teach Bible study through FaceTime. I do mission trip training through Zoom. My friends and I are constantly chatting through text or Snapchat to keep each other up to date. I challenge you to step up and be intentional. Don’t let your relationships fade away just because you can’t see your family and friends face to face.
Trust His plan. I serve the God who has always been and will always be. He created the entire universe, “counts the number of the stars; he gives names to all of them.” (Psalm 147:4), and still knows the number of hairs on my head; “Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted.” (Luke 12:7)! Is your mind blown? Mine sure is. This truth has rocked my world for a very long period of time, but recently it has become a reality instead of an idea. That very same God has a plan for me, and He has a plan for you; “For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11). A good plan. He will see me through this; I just have to trust Him and have faith.
