God Has Our Attention
A big smile broke across my face when I saw someone post this: “God just got fed up with His kids not getting along, so He sent us all to our rooms.” And, that’s probably true, too! Here’s what I know about our God. He doesn’t cause disease, sickness, heartache and pain. He is our loving and faithful Father. But, He often allows stuff to happen to get our attention. He definitely has our attention. In fact, the attention of the whole world. So, what are we going to do about it? Become victims or victors as we go through this inconvenient time? Notice I said “through this”. God says in Isaiah 43:2 says “…when you walk through the fire, you will not even smell like smoke…..”
If we stay the course of faith and trust in God, we WILL get through this and we will have a comeback story of gigantic proportions. Perhaps this is a grand setup that launches us into a trajectory of the most blessed times of our lives.
I’m reminded of a dear aunt’s story during these isolated times. She had debilitating Crohn’s disease that confined her to a small hospital room for nearly two years. Her husband passed away during that time. And, after all she went through — much pain, many surgeries and complications — she remained joy-filled, thankful, and was a light in the darkness around her. People encountered God’s light when they saw her. She was seasoned with God’s peace and joy in that little room..
Another “small” room story is that of the Apostle Paul who was in a cold, dark, damp, dingy Roman prison cell – yet in the midst of his pain and suffering, he wrote these words: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
What are these quarantine and isolation experiences doing to and for you? Are you bitter…..or better because of them? Are all the extenuating circumstances making you….or breaking you? Are you a victor or a victim? Are you comforting others with the comfort that you’ve been comforted with? If you are a victor, you KNOW you’re on assignment…..are on purpose….living in GOD’s master plan…..and are causing people to come face-to-face with a better way! Indeed….you are better and are a victor … and you’re causing others to be that, too!
These times will pass. What will be your story?