Finding the Good
For many weeks, we have been exposed to so many negative articles and news stories about the dangers, risks and destructive nature of COVID-19. I understand the magnitude and significance of this pandemic, but as a Christ-follower, I don’t want to spend my time focused on the negative.
When we focus on the negative, our anxiety grows, our attitudes change, and we have a tendency to treat others poorly because of how we feel about our situation and ourselves. The Bible is clear in its advice about how we can deal with our anxieties: God cares for us, He will lift us up with His mighty hand, and we are to humble ourselves in order to trust Him.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
It is good to know that God cares for us and that we can rely on Him. It is good to know, according to Romans 8:28, that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. We can be confident in God’s plan and rest assured that He will care for us during these times. As Christ-followers, we can know that all these troubling situations will work for God’s good purpose.
Did you know that God has also prepared good works for us to do?
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” Ephesians 2:10
God has designed us so that we could do good works. We can take the focus off our own needs or worries and direct it to help the needs of others by doing good works on their behalf.
Below is a short list of good works that I have seen, heard or read. Consider how you might utilize something on this list or another idea to find the good in this challenging time.
Draw and paint verses on the front glass door or chalk art on the driveway.
Drive to various homes of senior adults, call them to tell them you are in the driveway and have a time of prayer with them.
Write notes of encouragement or verses and deliver them to homes in your neighborhood, family, friends or church folks.
Make face masks for the medical providers in your area or send them to areas in need.
Write “thank you” notes, cards to medical providers.
Do a face-time or video chat with family or friends to provide encouragement.
Contact a senior adult and provide care packages or do their shopping for them.
Take a few minutes in prayer to ask God to give you wisdom, creativity, and availability to provide some good to others that reflects the love of Christ.
God bless,
Brian Freerksen
Student Pastor