“Each season can teach us something. How we respond is totally up to us”
The experiences we have each season can either block us or propel us. In our world today, we are facing challenges like we’ve never seen before. Social distancing is changing the way we live. Our church buildings are less accessible to us. In seasons like these we can experience sadness because we lack the company of others. Many people are uncomfortable being alone because God created us to be in relationships. In Genesis 2:18 “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”
This season of quarantine and social distancing can be especially difficult for widows and widowers. Many are just beginning to adjust to living without their spouses. Now they are separated from their support systems making life extra difficult.
How do we combat loneliness during this time of isolation? I’ve used my time to reach out to friends and family that I normally don’t have time to connect with. I’ve reached out to widows, caregivers, and others that I know who are alone. I’ve caught up on projects and spent extra time in prayer and worship. It’s important that during this time we give what we want to receive. I am convinced that the best way to combat any challenge is to pour into someone else’s life. Try offering encouragement and hope to those who may experience fear and anxiety during this season.
How about working on a project you may have pushed aside? Perhaps God has placed something in your heart, and in this time of reflection and solitude you can work toward that goal. Start writing that book you’ve always wanted to write. Teach yourself a new skill. Everything is on YouTube these days. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of starting a business. This is a good time to write out a business plan. In my book A Woman’s Call Living a Life of Purpose, the chapter titled Entrepreneurship; I cover some of what you need to know to start a business. Take some of the free time you now have to sit down and write out a plan, listing steps on how to proceed. It won’t always be like this and wouldn’t you love to be a step ahead when things turn around?
Many unbelievers are searching for hope in this unprecedented time. What a great opportunity to share the hope of Jesus Christ. A phone call to encourage someone or pray with them is a good thing to do. Even amid everything that is going on, people still have problems. Their marital problems didn’t suddenly subside because of a pandemic. They probably are worse because couples are spending more time together. Children didn’t suddenly stop making unwise decisions. Financial issues have most likely gotten worse. What I am saying is that many still need encouragement and hope. Shut downs and quarantines do not hinder the power of prayer. God can still meet people right where they are and do whatever they need Him to do.
Now that your schedule is free, spend quality time in prayer, studying, praise and worship.
Remember, God is always with you.
“Let your manner of living be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have. For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” Hebrews 13:5.