Serving God requires action; in fact, I believe Nike got it right with its slogan “just do it.” For many believers, this confusing time can cause us to challenge what we know to be true about God, the news reports, the reported death tolls rising, people getting sick, and conspiracy theories running rampant. What is a believer to do, this is one of the many permeating questions that is adding to the challenges facing our new normal? There are several faiths over fear hashtags going around, encouraging mantras including excerpts from scriptures. The simple answer here is to trust God despite it all. And to be about God’s work now more than ever; the world is looking for hope, and the answer for all of us is still God. During this time, we should continue to feed ourselves with kingdom truths and show the world where real hope lies. Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” As life continues, in its ever-evolving motion of change, the world of yesterday is no more, the only constant is God. I believe He wants us to be sure of a couple of crucial factors:
Be aware – Proverbs 9:10 puts it this way “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” In Hosea 4:6, it is put this way “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I will ignore your children,”
Be ready – understand the game of life is rigged as believers we win; we are equipped to handle whatever life brings our way. Ephesians 6:10-12 reminds us that we have access to the full armor of God as it states, “finally, be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Be vigilant – don’t be foolish, and unwise, stay the course just like the five wise virgins ensure you are ready when the bridegroom comes as it states in the book of Matthew 25:10, “ but while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.”
If we have life, we can choose wisdom or foolishness; once the door of life closes, which side will you be on? I will end today with Deuteronomy 30:15-16 “See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees, and laws; then you will live and increase and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.”
Have a Blessed Easter Sunday, remember Jesus conquered death and sin not to restrict us but to free us. From the lies and deceit of this world, Christ’s resurrection provides us with the tools and guidance we need to navigate successfully in this world until He returns, share the good news of Christ.