We’re not the only ones who have faced unexpected circumstances. A sweep across the Bible shows us that many of our favourite characters were suddenly thrown into an unexpected circumstance and the way they handled that is often why they are so loved by us. Joseph, Moses, Noah, David, Esther, Ruth, Peter - the list goes on.
I have loved that in the midst of this current unexpected circumstance the people of God, all over the world have mobilised themselves to shine brightly in new ways, and even embracing technology to do it. I love that we haven’t missed one Sunday morning meeting, by quickly mobilising ourselves to stream our services online. I love that Freedom in Christ & Students & 20’s have carried on meeting and even broken out for discussions. I love that we could meet over virtual coffee after the meeting on Sunday and say 'Hi'. I love that our Life Groups are just such a vibrant place of support and community as we care and look out for one another. I love that people all across our church are reading Psalms and praying for us as we start each day, and I love that we’re getting creative and now running the Marriage Course online and a Parenting Course too.
Isn’t it amazing that in the midst of isolation we are almost better connected than ever!
I am also aware that this is a really difficult time for a lot of us too. We’re trying to juggle work, family, households, health, teaching, parenting, loneliness, exercise, shopping, social distancing, mental wellbeing and much more too. If you are feeling overwhelmed then, I just want to remind you that it’s ok to not be the best at all of these things in this season. I want to encourage you with Paul’s words when he was dealing with his thorn in his flesh…
"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."
2 Corinthians 12 verse 8-9.
I’m praying for all of you in this season, that Christ’s power would be writ large over all our weaknesses.
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