Remember
We are living in an unprecedented time in our world. Each day we learn more and more the seriousness of the Covid-19 outbreak. My congregation, like many others, has suspended in-person worship and moved online. We have also suspended youth activities, music groups, bible studies, fellowship events and more. We do this out of caution and care, but it is also with a cost. The question for leaders during this time is: how do we best serve the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation and community? How can we continue to hold fast to hope we have in Christ and realistically deal with the challenges we face?
At such a time as this I recall Moses’ admonition to the Israelites to remember. Moses tells them to remember over and over. Remember what God has done for you. Remember you were slaves in Egypt and God heard your cry. Remember God delivered you from Pharaoh and into freedom. Remember God provided daily manna and water from the rock. God has been there for you and will be there for you. We need to remember and trust, and we need to be reminded repeatedly.
No one knows how long this will last. No one knows what the loss of life will be. No one knows what the economic impact will be, especially for those who barely met their family’s needs before this crisis. No one knows. What we do know is God’s love and presence are still with us. We know God has provided for us and God will provide for us. I share this with you and share it for myself. We are in a time of uncertainty and suffering. Let us endure with hope, love, and compassion.
And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
During this tumultuous time, NOT DEAD YET is offering a free consultation for church leaders trying to navigate important decisions. Just let us know!