Pandemic Sized Problems

Hello friends.  Long time no see.  I don't know about you, but man doesn't life seem to get a little out of control real easy?  I know it has for me.  This has a lot to do with the fact that it has been a few years since I have used this platform for communication and devotionals.  But, pandemic times call for pandemic measures!!

This pandemic is definately new to me, and probably you as well.  With the exception of a few members of my church that may remember living through the plagues of Egypt, Black Death, and the Spanish Flu of the early 1900s.  😂  Many times we tend to always focus on the bad, the fears, the stress, and I could probably go on and on and on.  Not to mention the stress on our families as we try to help our students learn at home.  I know many teachers who have had their eyes opened to the challenges on trying to teach online, and parents pulling their hair out trying to help their own kids.  I'm actually living on both sides of this equation right now.  With my wife and I both being educators, it adds an interesting twist to our daily routines.  And we sometimes beg for a little more "social distancing."

There are also things we have to do without.  Sitting down in a restaurant, nope.  Going to the movies, nope.  Finding toilet paper, good luck.  But the thing I miss the most, going to church.  Now, I do follow a couple of pastor friends of mine and watch video clips of there sermons.  I also keep up with my pastor via text, email, and the occasional phone call.  Not to mention keeping up with church members on Facebook.  But it is not the same.  I miss the personal interaction with my church family on a regular basis.  I find myself craving the opportunity to get back to fellowship with my church family.  It almost feels as though I am being malnourished in a way.  I miss the fellowship, the teaching, the prayer time, and singing in the choir.  I feel that too much more of this could cause me to become weak from my 'malnourishment.'

But this 'pandemic problem' is no different than many of the trials that we face, and will continue to face in our lifetimes.  There are two important things to remember when facing trials:

1.  They have a purpose
2.  They don't last forever

James 1:2-3
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Have we taken time to ask God what it is that He wants us to learn from this?  Have we looked for ways to actively grow our faith in this time?  Are we making the most of our opportunities to share our faith with others as it grows?

There is an end in site with this pandemic.  I challenge you to look for blessings that may be hidden in disguise.  Look for ways to grow your faith in the midst of these trials.  Be comforted by the grace that God has given you in your current situation.  Take joy in the process, because you know what the end reward will be.  Most importantly, don't forget to share with others.  Check in with those you miss.  Call and encourage your pastor.  Keep studying and praying as an individual, and with your families.  I may not be able to go to church, but i can still be a part of it until I can.

Thanks for reading, and God bless you all!