This is the Way

It’s interesting how the world is suddenly moving in step with me. Through my struggle with inclusion body myositis, my life has significantly slowed down over the last few years. The deterioration of my leg, arm and throat muscles has narrowed down my capabilities to living life as it comes, one day at a time.

Through the ravaging affect of COVID-19, the world at large is experiencing something very similar.  What God has been teaching me as I deal with this disease is now relevant to all of us.

We can no longer just assume we know what today will bring.                                                                             We must be in tune with God like never before if we are going to thrive in the midst of chaos. 

He’s calling us to listen intently to His voice so that He can guide us in every step. This has always been the way. (why yes, I did have the Mandalorian in my mind as I wrote those words).It’s just that we’ve often been blind to God’s guidance. Why? Let’s face it, our egos are the issue.

We think we’re more capable than we really are on our own. We typically assume we can figure things out and power through whatever life throws at us. So often, asking God for His guidance and power isn’t even a thought in our heads. Now our true spiritual reality is being manifested in a physical sense. We are always dependent on God in every moment.

Everything is chaotic and uncertain in the age of COVID-19 and we’re desperately looking for direction. But where should we turn? Hospitals? Government agencies? They’re all in the same crisis as us – overwhelmed and beyond their capacity to deal. 

The more uncertain and isolated we become due to the virus, the more our true spiritual reality is revealed. We need God more than the breath in our lungs. And we need each other. Now more than ever, we see how growth and transformation come through human contact. God’s kingdom is only expanded in this way – one life being poured out for another life.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

This is the way. It has always been the way. 

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been following Jesus for one minute or for five decades. God plans daily assignments for each and every one of us. There’s always someone who needs to know what God is teaching us in this season of our lives. Or even right now in this moment. This is what it really means to share your testimony. Your story is not just what God did to bring you to Himself. It’s what He’s doing with you right now. But we typically don’t have time to share that with other people.

Our busyness often blinds us to the daily assignments God has placed in our path. So why do we miss them so often? Why are we always so busy doing “the stuff?” It goes right back to our egos, doesn’t it? Isn’t being busy and accomplishing things really about feeding them? 

When we miss seeing God’s assignments for us, we also miss seeing His power working through us into the life of another. Is it any wonder we often walk around feeling powerless and defeated, no matter how much stuff we get done?

God is always doing what’s best for each of us, THROUGH each of us.  

What if God is using COVID-19 to strip away the blindness brought on by our egos? Right now, we can no longer live like we once did. Through the coronavirus, we’re being reminded of just how dependent we are on God for everything. In the process, maybe we’ll be more open to seeing our daily assignments and responding to them in humble obedience. 

Will we allow these uncertain times to narrow our focus down to seeking God in each and every moment? If we do, we’ll discover our daily assignments and His power, not only for living our lives, but for giving life to others.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:6-11

 

This is the way. Will we walk in it?