by Barb Lownsbury
So many thoughts run through my head, like the random things I miss and normally take for granted. Things like hugging people, seeing my children who live in other cities, being able to talk to my neighbors without shouting across a 6 foot invisible barrier. I miss hanging out at restaurants having interesting conversation over a glass of wine. I miss being able to move about freely. I miss having certainty in my business.
I had a friend reach out to me today for prayer. I'm not sure who got more out of it, honestly. There was something so powerful in saying OUT LOUD that God is still good, that He still holds us closely, and that He is the Great Comforter. I felt His presence in the midst of our praises, even though there were tears and a lot of heartfelt emotion, too.
As a history buff, I know that what we're going through pales in comparison to things like the black plague or world wars. I know that back in the day the kids learned at home while their parents worked, that people were fairly isolated from one another. We are far from the first to go through challenging circumstances. But it IS a first for me.
I can find myself oscillating between fear and faith. From feeling peaceful to being overcome with worry about my business and my future. So this prayer time really helped.
Why? We laid out all the gunk inside of our heads before the Lord. If felt like squeezing puss out of a wound, painful yet necessary so we could choose trust again. We invited Him more fully into our situations, asking for a greater portion of His presence within us. We prayed for this earth, for people far and for dear friends very near.
But mostly we thanked God for His goodness. We reminded ourselves of great scriptures like, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Become intimate with Him, and He will lead you wherever you go," and, "Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take" (Proverbs 3:5-6; Joshua 1:9).
In this season, I need to feel God like never before. I don't want to use Him as a temporary crutch to somehow gut it out and get through this. I want to exit from the shadow of Covid-19 stronger than I've ever been, breaking through to a deeper, richer place of faith. In the midst of the constant challenges, I want to see HIS opportunities. Will you join me?
FOR FURTHER THOUGHT Jesus gives each of us so many tools to overcome adversity with. Consider reading through Romans, Philippians or even Acts to gain insight into how. Find people to pray with. Look for ways to build into others.
If you're looking to grow, consider taking the Boldly Shine Course which launches online on April 20th. You'll learn powerful principles and practical tools to deal with difficult circumstances.
Or join me live this Saturday at 9:30 am Eastern time on The Dented Fender Facebook page. I plan to share about tools & principles I've curated that have proven to be powerful. I'd love to hear your ideas, too, so come and meet, connect and share.
PRAYER Jesus, always you are good even in the midst of crisis and challenge. Would you allow me to feel your presence more, Papa? Would you help me to lay the worry firmly in your hands? Let me be a light in dark places, just as you are for me. Please heal our world, Papa. It needs you more than ever. Help me to remember that with you I am never truly alone. Amen.