For several weeks now, we’ve watched the world come to a halt in ways that we’ve never seen before. Schools and venues closed, events canceled, shelter in place orders issued, the list goes on. Maybe for you, things aren’t so different in your day-to-day as an essential worker. But there’s no doubt that the world is a different place right now and feels like nothing we’ve experienced on a long term basis. In any case, we all have one thing in common: we’re waiting for the world to start turning again - to return to “normal”.
So I want to ask you: What does your waiting look like? And are you allowing God to work in your waiting?
It would be so easy to just sit back and wait for this pandemic to pass. It’s easy - for some - to shut the world out totally in the name of social distancing. It’s easy to forget to look people in the eyes when you do have to go out and forget to say hello, or have small, safe moments of kindness. But I believe it’s God’s call on the lives of His children to do something bigger. As Christ-followers, we are called to live our lives differently than the world, and I don’t believe that calling changes just when times are difficult. In fact, we’re the ones who are expected to be most resilient in difficult circumstances, because we know the God who holds everything together, and we have placed our hope in Him and not in the world. As he reminded the Colossians of the life they were to live in Christ, Paul said to them “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
The sentiment has been echoed time and time again in our devotionals, sermons, small group studies - you name it. This is an unprecedented opportunity to focus on what we can accomplish, not what we’re prohibited from. To rejoice over how we can use our gifts and abilities to glorify God in fresh, new ways. It’s time to let God work in our waiting.
I know that just within our student ministry, God is working in beautiful ways as we remain connected amongst our small groups. Students are engaged and hungry for fellowship with each other and the Lord. Many are consistently following devotionals and reading plans through the Bible App together, holding one another accountable. Leadership is excited to see how this time can redefine what we label as “normal”, as opposed to waiting for everything to return to business as usual. There are a number of examples and testimonies just like this throughout our church and our community, and you can be a part of it! So yes, we’re waiting, but God is still at work in our waiting. The question is, are you at work with Him?
I challenge you to take some time to listen to this song and spend some time in prayer:
Give thanks to God for the ways you see Him working
Ask for an increased ability to trust in Him to provide for your needs during this time
Ask God how He’d like you to grow with him in the coming weeks
Consider what gifts and abilities God has given you (i.e. art, writing, serving, exhortation, etc.) that will enable you to serve Him in a unique way
If you aren’t already, consider connecting with your Life Group regularly and continue to grow in fellowship with the Lord and one another
Until We’re Together Again,
Madison Wolfe
Girls Ministry Director