I am recovering from a nasty case of COVID-19. I guess it’s inevitable that everyone will contract this virus at some point, just like we do with the common cold and flu. Everyone seems to experience COVID-19 differently. Some are extremely sick — some have mild cold symptoms. We also know many have died. I count myself blessed, but I need to tell you — COVID-19 fatigue is a real thing.
The worst of the symptoms were over in about 5–6 days, but I still am experiencing fatigue. Walking the length of the living room leaves my knees weak. My concentration is limited (no comments from anyone who knows I lack concentration on a good day!).
Yet all is well. Daily chores can wait. God has given us a body that combats the virus in ways we can’t even fathom. He brings healing in His time and in His way. In my weakness, my Lord is my strength. In my lack of focus, my eyes remain on the cross of Christ.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9).
No other insights from me this week — I rest in the knowledge that I am HIS!
Held by HIS Word;
Inspired to share HIS message; and
Surrounded by HIS grace.
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
I think I have my day planned — and then the phone rings. Everything changes. I find myself very self-satisfied about making the right decision and find out that I’ve hurt someone’s feelings because of the action taken. Everything inside me changes. As I go about my day, events, attitudes, and plans change constantly inside my home and around the world.
That’s a pretty negative way to look at change … Let me try again.
I think I have my day planned — and then I meet Jesus in my devotion and prayers. Everything changes! He takes my plans and makes them His, He takes my worries and gives me comfort, He takes my sins and washes them away. Jesus shows up and everything changes — in a very good way!
I received a message from a friend this week. Her father is dying. My heart aches for her and her family. I began to mourn their impending loss and tears fill my eyes. As I close my eyes and let the tears fall down my cheeks, I feel Jesus’ presence and I begin to pray. My heart quiets and His comfort surrounds me. I know He will do the same for my friend, her father, and her whole family. Jesus’ presence transforms my sorrow into compassion and trust.
On May 16, 2014, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had been waiting days for that dreaded call. When the phone call finally came and cancer was confirmed, I felt no fear — only peace. How can that be? The call came just before I entered church for worship. I looked up and saw a banner that said, “May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace” — and He did — I was filled with His peace. The God of hope changes everything. An update: I am now cancer free, but if I wasn’t, the God of hope still would transform my heart and fill me with peace because I know my salvation is secure.
I’ve written the phrase “When Jesus shows up” several times. I know Jesus isn’t missing and then “shows up.” I know He is with me always. He reveals Himself and “shows up” in my thoughts and in my heart when I need Him most. My prayer is that I’ll recognize His presence each moment, every day, because when my Savior shows up, it changes everything!
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11).
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
I wrote a message for this blog — and now I find I must edit that message. I began that blog by saying I love to travel — and then I traveled. Flight delays, lost baggage, and snarky gate agents can make travel more stressful.
Even in this crazy time of cancelations and what I see as a lack of customer service, I still do love to travel. I love getting on a plane in freezing temperatures and stepping off into a tropical climate. I love walking through an airport amongst the diversity of people and wondering where they are going, what the purpose of their trip may be, what their family life is like, and if they know there is a Savior who loves them. Yes — this is really where my mind goes!
I’m always amazed when I ask my husband what he’s thinking about and he says, “nothing.” How is that even possible?! That’s another blog …
Sometimes it’s apparent by their dress that they are an Orthodox Jew or a Sikh, etc. As I walk through the airports I wonder if I could be identified as a Christian. I have a cross on my forehead and on my heart, not visible to the naked eye, so how can those around me know I am a Christian? I have a marvelous necklace — a large cross, black onyx set in gold — but I don’t wear it anymore. I’ve been stopped too many times by people asking me if I was a pastor. Maybe I should wear it as an opportunity to open a conversation!
It’s true that when I wear clothing with the LWML logo on it I am given opportunities to share Christ. The lady standing in line next to me may say, “That’s a beautiful pin.” I’ve been asked many times what LWML stands for and used that opening to share, “It is an organization called Lutheran Women in Mission. We focus on supporting and praying for mission agencies around the world and we enjoy serving in our communities so we can share Christ.” … or whatever comes to mind. It’s different each time, as the Holy Spirit helps me say words that may touch someone’s heart.
Each time I want to say something judgmental about the customer service, or comment on rude behavior or a canceled flight, I really try to remember Who I belong to and why I am here on this earth — in this place, at this time. I try to remember to ask myself, “Will my words give glory to God? Will the person to whom I want to say it be hurt or helped?”
God did not command me to like everyone, but He did command me to love as He loves. Ouch. That’s an impossible task — for me — but with God, everything is possible. But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
As I travel anywhere — whether it be across the country or to the grocery store — I hope the Holy Spirit nudges me to keep my mouth closed when a gripe wants to pop out, and to speak up when I’m given the opportunity to share Jesus’ grace and love.
Our journey in this world has bumps but we never walk alone. Let’s enjoy the trip and the company!
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
