As the COVID-19 pandemic hovers over us like a hurricane that has stalled and won’t go away, we recognize the impact that it has on our lives and ministry. In the same breath, we are grateful for the ability to continue on with a greater degree of normality with the stay-at-home order no longer in place. (And, yes, the hurricane comparison fits when one lives in Florida!)
Life Under Less-Than-Ideal Circumstances
Yet, there are challenges. Getting the June issue of the Ethnos360 magazine into print and out the door has been a drawn-out process unlike any we have faced before. Right. The realities of living under a pandemic!
On the front cover it reads: “When the welcome is slow in coming.” I had to chuckle at that. At this point, I could say, “When the magazine is slow in coming!” We had hoped it would be out by July, but realistically, it’s probably going to be August.
On a personal level, after postponing a trip to Canada to see my parents in the spring, I had hoped to make that trip last month. However, the border restrictions presented challenges that resulted in the decision to wait a bit longer. So, I am waiting — but not forever!
I know there are others that have faced situations and hardships that make mine seem trivial in comparison. Since it could be easy to become all-consumed by the current crisis in which we find ourselves, it’s reassuring to know that our God is bigger than all this.
Making the Most of Less-Than-Ideal Circumstances
It’s encouraging to see the many things that are taking place despite the challenges. In some areas, churches have opened their doors again. I’ve seen churches showing the love of God by reaching out with spiritual and material aid to those in need, to those impacted by the economic fallout of the pandemic.
I’ve heard of missionaries needing to leave the remote villages where they’ve been serving — and then finding this time of “isolation” to be beneficial. Missionaries have dived deeper into Bible and lesson translation. They’ve found the time to create the materials for literacy programs. How often do they have such a chunk of uninterrupted time? It’s great to see them making the most of their less-than-ideal circumstances.
Looking Past Our Less-Than-Ideal Circumstances
I’m reminded again that we are just pilgrims passing through this world. Though these situations and concerns are significant, as I look at them in the light of eternity, they are but brief moments of hardship.
Moments that haven’t taken our loving Heavenly Father by surprise.
Moments that He is using to mold us to be more Christ-like.
Moments when we can shine as lights in a dark world.
Thank you for partnering with me to see the Great Commission fulfilled, to see a thriving church for every people.