MAKING THE MOST OF NOW
Do you find yourself missing life? Are you anxiously waiting for the time things return to normal? You aren’t alone. Many of us are just enduring the present conditions until they are over. But what if they don’t go back? What if change is the new normal? What if there are always new challenges the USA or the world must face? How are we to adjust to that?
As Christians, this world is not our home. We are pilgrims here (1 Peter 2:11-12). God uses difficulties in life to turn unbelievers to Himself. We need to be ready to point them in His direction. He also uses those times to make His children more like Jesus. His goal for our life is to become Christ-like, not just have an easier life (Romans 8:28-29). What is happening today gives us opportunities to trust Him and witness for Him.
When the Jews were taken into captivity, they wanted to just pass time until they could return to Israel. God told them captivity was their new norm so they should live their life under the current conditions. Jeremiah 29:4-6 say, “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.” Then HE encourages them with a glimpse into the future. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Do you know what His plans for you are during July, 2020? What has He been teaching you?
A couple weeks ago I asked you to share with me what God has been teaching you during this time. Here are the responses I received. I’d love to hear from you.
“Throughout this whole thing and my husband’s 2-month hospitalization with Covid-19, God has given me much peace. I am definitely looking to Him every single day. I am spending more time with in prayer. I’m looking to Him every single minute, every single second. I’m realizing more and more every day that He is definitely in control of everything. I have a closer and closer walk with the Lord, more than I have ever encountered before.”
“God is good all the time. He has given me peace no matter what happens. I know He goes before me so His will, not mine will be done. I rejoice because I know where I am going and even death cannot take that away.”
Do you see the present situation as an opportunity to trust and witness? Are you committed to grow during this time? Where is He working in your life right now (let me know, I’d love to hear – jerry@schmoyer.net).