The other day, I took a moment to reflect on the last year. It's crazy to think that around this time, the world was changing in a matter of days. “Global pandemic” and “lock down” were phrases that became common in daily conversation. Yet even before the month of March, the year ushered in its own share of surprises. We lost some celebrities unexpectedly. There were looming rumors of a third world war and nuclear threats. The future seemed so uncertain. Would this last forever? Would we ever return to normal?
So many emotions flooded my mind during those first few months of the pandemic. Initially, I was in denial. As a medical profession, I had seen firsthand how new diseases were blown out of proportion. The West Nile virus, SARS, and even the Ebola virus never fully impacted my day to day life. Aside from washing my hands, I examined patients without as much as a thought to wearing a mask or the possibility of catching an illness. As more countries reported cases, I came to the realization that it might actually affect me. Within days patients flooded the clinic with high fevers and cough. Our office was ill prepared as supplies were low and staff uneducated on how to treat this new virus. Fear immediately set in. Would I catch this virus? Could I spread it to loved ones? Then came anxiety. After some time, the amount of patients coming to the clinic decreased by almost half. Patients were afraid of coming to the doctor's office, yet unwilling to try virtual visits. We worried about whether or not we'd get paid or even lose our jobs. The entire year seemed like one long, dreary night. Yet with every night comes the breaking of dawn.
With the coming new year, hope arose within the hearts of many. The vaccine as well as decreasing infection rates foreshadowed a possible end to the pandemic. Restrictions were lifting. Travel and gatherings began once again. Aspects of the last year slowly faded into a distant memory. It's important to remember the faithfulness of God especially as things are returning to normal. He's kept each of us for His own special purposes. Some of us have the testimony of never getting the virus. Others can speak of God's healing power despite the statistics. God was also faithful with His provision, despite a job loss or sustaining those with struggling employers. Every uncertainty became an opportunity to see an attribute of God's power and sovereignty.
By grace, we are standing here today. Yet, two questions loom in my mind. The first is: why? Why did some die while others were not infected? Honestly, there are numerous versions of the question “why”. Herein lies the opportunity to trust in the sovereignty of God. He knows the end from the beginning. If you still have breath in your lungs, then know that He's not done with you yet. He will complete the work that He's started in you. This leads to the second question. What will life look like a year from today? Considering all that's behind me and where God has presently lead me, I'm looking towards the future with anticipation. Even though there's uncertainty, I know without a doubt that God will take care of me.
Each of us experienced 2020 differently. I believe we can all take away the same lessons. God is Sovereign. Even in the hard moments, we can trust Him. Nothing is wasted. No story too broken that He can't redeem. The second lesson is that God is not finished with you yet. Last year provided time to refocus our sight. God is preparing His church for what's ahead. He's setting us apart and setting us up to shine bright for a hurting world to see. So, let hope arise. Even though we don’t know what is up ahead, we can trust the one who does.
Be encouraged! :)
written by: Christa Martina
FB page: See Martina Write
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 31:8 “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Jeremiah 31:3b (ESV) “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
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