This was written by Becky, a member of our congregation who is one of our adult Sunday School teachers. She used it to open our class, and said she felt the Holy Spirit inspired her to write it.
Paul wrote to the Philippians,
“things which happened to me have turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that my chains are in Christ.”
Prison became holy ground, a sacred place set apart for God’s purposes. In his confinement he made room for God. So consider our confinement in isolation during this epidemic an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God and to encourage others. Paul also said,
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
His heart was so filled with the presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. He had peace with God no matter the circumstances and wanted to serve and bless others. God’s presence with us in confinement makes this one of the most significant times in our lives and a key to fellowship with Him. He is still in control, declaring,
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Our strength must be in God. Times of crisis demand that we turn to each other, not on each other. As Christians, we are called to be faithful to God and to one another.
All of us want things–expressing them differently. We want heroes; we want assurance someone knows what is going on in this mad world; we want someone to lean on. Paul says Christ is the one to worship and serve–King of Kings–Lord of Lords–the Mighty One–to occupy first place in our hearts and home. It’s so easy to allow things and even people to be central in our lives. When we replace Christ with these, we have sinned. We’re to live in this world as a representative of Christ –serve Him by giving Him our best and sharing His love with others.
For more about the pandemic see these posts:
Lutheran Ladies Connection 