special edition: COVID-19 grace NOT to fear part 2
Crisis Magnified
We see this displayed all around. Words, emotions, actions are dramatically magnified or heightened during times of crises. Everything can seem so loud, fear-injecting, not really beneficial for anyone.
What are we to do? How do we follow the call to “live in the world BUT not of the world?”
With that, our exhortation to live “quiet lives” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). “If possible, as much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18 CSB)
While this specific call from Peter is tailored for women, his reminder of what is most treasured: “what is inside the heart-the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” (1 Peter 3:4 CSB)
How encouraging that this is solely a work of grace! Apart from God at work in us, this standard is unattainable; derived only from the resulting work of the Holy Spirit in our life.
“For I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10 CSB)
Paul got this. Can’t it be easy for us to forget this? All of our “progress,” our “good” comes from God alone, from his work, his grace in our lives. This reminder breeds humility, there we are able to receive the steady flow of God’s grace.
"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6 CSB)
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:31b CSB)
May that be what we are quick to recall…his work in our lives.
May we be watchful for opportunities to converse with others who are fear-filled, believing as Jesus’ disciples did in Luke 12:12 CSB “For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said.”
Does fear well up as you consider striking up a conversation with a complete stranger?
Try starting with thanks.
Let them know how much their presence and work means to you. Simply acknowledging that we appreciate another can be so encouraging, almost radical in these days! Sometimes it can be easy to lose sight of this, but think about the last time you were on the receiving end of words like this.
May we not shy away from these deeper conversations, fearing we don’t have all the answers, but trust in him to accomplish the work he desires.
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7 CSB)
How reassuring these truths are!
As we live in God’s design of community in this COVID 19 time, may the world around us beautifully see a radical difference of life hidden in Jesus. May his work in us be the very thing that draws them in, desiring to know more. May it stem from a natural overflow of our relationship with him, not from a “trying” or “striving.”
May we rise up and embrace this opportunity of eternal impact.
These are a lot of varying thoughts; probably nothing new or revolutionary. Truths I need to be reminded of, perhaps maybe you, too? May we allow God’s Word to anchor our hearts to his peace and rest in the midst of our uncertainty, asking the Holy Spirit to allow these truths to fall fresh and new over us.
“Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 CSB)
Blessings!
**We look forward to sharing a family resource guide with ideas to help maximizing these new spaces of time together. Our hope is that it will help us serve others and grow and strengthen our family relationships. Please look for it Friday, March 27th in our resource section.
