In a Boat - In a Storm - Feeling Alone?

As believers we need to understand that while we may be experiencing the same storm of this pandemic, we may not be in the same boat. We all may face the same crisis, but each of us face different problems in this storm. The entire world is facing this storm in the form of this pandemic, some nations however have been affected more severely than others. They are in different boats. Some boats are being tossed about more than others. The same holds true within nations. Some areas or provinces have been hit harder than others. In some places there are no hospital beds available for those contracting the virus, while in other areas they seem to be going on with business as usual. Some may feel like they are in a canoe being tossed about with every little wave that emerges, while others seem to be in a huge cargo liner that is hardly affected by the storm. While we are in the same storm and probably different boats, we can all have the same anchor in Jesus Christ!

Matthew 24:10-13 “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

Are you feeling desperate and alone? As you look around do you see the faint light of the light-house in the distant shore? Sometimes life can seem like this when we lose hope and confidence in our faith in God. Many have drifted away from God during this time of the virus, while others have drawn closer than ever to Him. It is the same storm that has affected everyone but some have responded totally different from others. But the way we have responded is based upon our understanding of the Word of God and our relationship with Him. When our relationship with God is real, the way we respond is to place on Him the pressures of our lives. We know and believe that this is coming to pass for a divine purpose. We fully understand that nothing can happen without God allowing it to. Therefore if He has allowed it, I have to endure it! He is probably testing my faith and trust in Him like He did with Job!

Yet we find others that have taken this as an opportunity to stay away from the presence of God. The virus has dictated to them how they ought to live and they have forgotten about the One who has given them life in the first place. I am not asking people to disregard the protocols that have been laid out. I strongly believe that we should abide by them as the Scientist show that this is the best way to counteract this virus. We need to put on our masks, socially distance during this time, take our vaccines, sanitize as often as possible. And while we do this, we need to also stay connected with God through our spirits and by connecting with the House of God. Isn’t is strange that people see it necessary to go to work, do their daily shopping, go see a doctor if necessary but they are happy to stay away from the Great Physician Himself?

We have a choice today as those who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ. Are we going to become lazy and do what pleases our flesh or are we going to serve God in Spirit and in Truth. Now is the time to reveal who we truly are. Are we true followers of Jesus Christ or are we just those who have been professing to be followers? I believe that this virus has revealed who we truly are. According to our Scripture text for today, it says that the love of many will grow cold. What does this mean? It means that the love for God and the things of God will vanish. People will be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Isn’t this what we are experiencing right now? People have to be forced time and time again to come to the house of God, yet no one needs to push them to go to work. Is our work really more important than the God who gave us our very lives? The One who breathed into us to cause us to become living souls – does He now not matter? Do some introspection into your own life and answer that question to yourself. It could well bring you back to reality and God!

[I pray that God will continue to Bless, Protect and Provide for you, even as you take care of the Family of God by contributing and supporting His Work.]

EKKLESIA FAMILY CHURCH, ELANDSPARK, ALBERTON.

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