Covid19 – lessons to learn

One day I was living my life as I normally do – going to work, waiting in the long carpool line at my kids’ school, doing laundry for a family of six, and then suddenly everything seemed to change. Well everything except the laundry; unfortunately there is always laundry.  Like all of you, my city and state were on a “stay at home” order and overnight I became a homeschooling mom of four, all while trying to work from home and continue to minister to our church as best I could. 

There were days I was walking in victory, waking up hours before my kids to pray and seek God’s face. Then, there were times I had to hide in the garage, basement or backyard just to get a moment to myself (my kids are way too good at hide and seek). Sometimes I slipped away to let out one of my “ugly cries” because of the self-inflicted stress and pressure I was experiencing to complete my ever increasing to-do list.  If you are a more senior saint, I bet you remember the television commercial that said, “Calgon take me away!”, and you’re laughing right now!  If you are not familiar with this phrase, Google it. It’s so appropriate for the homeschooling, trying to work at home, ZOOM meeting, constantly preparing meals wife/mom in today’s world.  

I found myself missing the days of long carpool lines, and wondered if I would be stuck in the house forever! Right when I was sinking into a quarantine low, the Lord reached out to me and whispered to me He was still with me. God began to show me that He truly works all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Thank God for His grace. When I could barely catch my breath and I cried out to God He showed up and refreshed my soul. If you are also feeling overwhelmed in this season-God will show up for you too!  “I will never leave you nor forsake you” is one of His many promises.  

God is calling His people to step into a new season with Him, but first we must learn what He is trying to teach us in our current season.  It’s okay to be uncomfortable and it’s okay to be messy. Most of us have experienced this in the past month. However, let me remind you we won’t be living in quarantine forever.  God is bringing us out. Let’s agree to come out of quarantine better and not bitter, blooming and becoming more like Jesus. God is using the Coronavirus as well as any other hardship we endure to build our character and mold us into His image.  We just need to allow Him to do what only He can do. So be encouraged today – we are in this together and we will come out of this better, if we learn the lessons He is trying to teach His children.

Lessons God is teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic:    

Cultivate Patience– Like many Americans, when I want something I tend to want it now. I don’t particularly like waiting…who’s with me? Well, we are all learning to wait during this season.

Walk in Self-Control- Many years ago the Lord showed me the only control, from God, is self-control; all other control is witchcraft. The thing is, many of us like to be in control, but no one person can control when this quarantine will be over or when we get to leave our houses. However, we can have self-discipline. We can continue to do the things we know we should do – exercise, pray, read our bibles, etc.

Love your family well-As Americans our lives are so busy. It’s hard juggling work, marriage, children, sports, school and more. Many of our families don’t make the time to even eat together around the table. We are all running in so many directions it’s hard to find the time to really enjoy the gift we have in our family. Now we don’t have any of the distractions and obligations that often keep us from loving and cherishing our families, a precious gift from God.

The importance of Sabbath-God is teaching us to truly rest. He is teaching us to slow down and live simpler lives – to wait in prayer before walking IN Power. 

The value of the body of Christ- The church is more than four walls and a ceiling. God is showing us to take care of one another. He is showing us to live more like the first century church that didn’t have the conveniences and comforts of churches today.

Our identity is in Christ- As believers we know our identity is found in Jesus, but so many times we place it in other things: our jobs, titles, and accomplishments. The Lord is reminding us none of these things matter in comparison to Him. Our true identity is child of God!

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” – Psalm 32:8 (NIV)

Is God teaching you some valuable lessons in this season?  If so I would love to hear from you. Please leave me a message in the “Comments” below or reach out to me privately.

If you are struggling with letting go and trusting God, then please join me in this prayer: 

Heavenly Father, my desire is to hear you speak to me in this difficult season. Worry, anxiety, and fear seem to increase with every passing week of quarantine, yet I know you are still with me and for me. I thank you that you have a marvelous plan for my life. I praise you because the devil, Coronavirus and hardships are powerless to hijack the plan you have for me.  I choose to turn my attention from my failures and fears. I choose to fix my gaze upon Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of my faith! My victory might not be coming to me exactly as I expected – nonetheless, my victory is on the way. I surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to show me ways to shine for you during our current crisis. Thank you for being faithful to finish the good work you began in me and bringing me through this season stronger and more like you. I pray this in Jesus’ name! Amen.