Preparation from Cancellation.

Well here we are. I don't know how we are, but we're here, it's real, and it's happening. Not exactly how anyone planned the ends of their school years going, but I'll spare you the sob story I'm sure you've all heard enough of.

Now, since we're here, what do we do? Let us not dwell in the cancellations but rather the preparations of our hearts. I don't know about you, but I believe this area of fog can be made perfectly clear with 5 words... We. need. to. wake. up. The world and society today is made to function in a hustle and a "stay busy" mentality. I am extremely guilty of this. Many of us try to avoid issues by busying ourselves or occupying our time with social events, work or whatever the case may be. I know I sure do to keep my anxiety suppressed.

But have you ever listened? No, I mean truly got in tune with yourself, recognized what is happening in your life/mind, and listened or looked for the small signs He gives daily? This pandemic is meant to slow the spinning whirl of this fast paced life we all lead, and get us back to seeking the One who created it in the first place. The world is sinful in nature, so war, famine, disease; they are all inevitable. But God is a good God in utilizing a tragedy for good. His plans are far different from ours and sometimes make no sense, but in the fog is where He does the best guiding. This is a facility full of opportunity to still our hearts and pray as a nation. Seclusion and intimacy with the Lord is all He desires of us, and with culture today not taking a second to breath, He had to put things on hold.

You may ask how God is even good at all if this is all happening. Well to that I say what Louie said this past Sunday, that the question is flawed from the start. God sent His only son to die. If you have seen what our good Father has done, you won't need to ask the question. We are human. We do not submit to Him or follow His word, and we make our own choices on how we see fit to lead our lives. Louie talked about how God gives us power to live here, but His intention is to build His kingdom and ultimately bring His children home. To ask why He is doing this is missing the point because He is for us and did not come to judge but to save. We need an awakening! And maybe this was the only way He saw fit to do so. Yes, there were cancelled plans and devastating setbacks. But someone got saved today. Someone who did not believe in any of this "Christianity mess" received a diagnosis. They began looking for hope and they found it in a Bible they received from a friend years ago that had since collected dust on their shelf until now. Some doctors thought science was not related to religion and tossed Christianity aside, but are now learning their courage is revitalized by that one patient that shared the gospel with them. Hope and courage is beginning to spread like wildfire. Prayer is going up. The kingdom is rejoicing over the souls being saved despite earthly lives lost. So yes, this all is confusing and upsetting, but let us come together as a community and not waste this! Let us try to see the joy in our battle. This time it is OUR battle. We may be in quarantine and seclusion, but God did not make us to be alone. As a community let us come together and encourage. These days may appear long and mundane, but imagine being anywhere else...Would you have this much ability and time to strengthen your faith?

"I'll trade a thousand days elsewhere for one day, one touch, one word God. It can change everything." -Real Thing//Maverick City Music

I highly recommend listening to this song and just letting the words wash over you. Spending this precious time we are given right now can mean you understanding the capacity of His lavish love. One day, one touch, one word is all it takes to change a perspective; to change everything.

I know that this is true for me. Recently I have become content with where God is directing my life. I have had to discover throughout years of trial and error exactly what He wanted to teach me, and I believe I've finally figured that out. This season may be strange, and I don't know about you, but it came at a perfect time for me. God brought me home both literally and figuratively, and I could not be more grateful for the experiences I have had to grow me into who I am, and still am, becoming. However, this has taken years for the fog to finally settle for me, so if this time seems to be complete chaos for you, it's okay. Know that some seasons are meant to stretch us, and if you feel you have no one to relate to or listen, talk to me! I will be here to encourage in any way that I can knowing what God has brought me through. I don't have it all perfect, and I sure as heck am not on the other side of it all yet, but I am learning what He wants me to know for both now and my future.

With all that being said, let us make preparations of our hearts despite the cancellations of the world. Let us reconcile with what has been lost, and repent what has been long overdue. Let us come around the table with thanksgiving and praise for what He has blessed us with now more than ever. And let us not forget this time so that we all may grow as human beings and be more grateful for the touch of a hand or the bond of a tight hug. Remember God is still good when the circumstances are not.

Stay in pursuit. Be patient.

🕊mw