First, can we just agree that everyone except God is out of sync right now?
That includes me, and any kind of schedule for blog posting. I swing from thinking I’ll never post again because more words in your in-box may increase your feelings of stress, to feeling like we all may need to be reminded we’re not alone. Anyway, sorry for the inconsistency.
Decisions are hard in the best of times, but during a pandemic when conditions change day to day? Brutal!
Over and over we hear the word, “pivot” and we seek to re-imagine God-honoring choices in this time.
What’s one challenging situation you are facing that’s been made more complicated by the pandemic?
I’m grappling along with everyone else, but here are 3 of my go-to principles:
1. Ask for wisdom.
Sometimes there is a clear, moral right and wrong answer, but often God’s will isn’t some ONE hidden secret and if you get it wrong it will be like a disaster scene out of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5
Sometimes you just need to ask, “What would be the most pleasing choice to you, Lord?” and decide. I love what Luke writes when the apostles were making hard decisions for the young Jesus-following community:
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…
Acts 15:28
God didn’t speak through a megaphone, but the apostles prayed and listened and made the choice that seemed good. Nothing may feel totally clear to you, but you may need to prayerfully choose what seems like the best, God-honoring choice.
2. Seek unity.
Let’s defer to the people who feel most vulnerable. More than ever we need to extend grace and not be offended by others regarding Covid choices about jobs, education, parenting, travel, celebrations… The people around you (even family) have challenges you may not be aware of. We’re all doing our best.
If you are married, God won’t lead one of you to one conclusion and your spouse to another. Pray and listen until you are united – both on the same page.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3
3. Persevere. Just because it’s God’s will doesn’t mean it will be easy. (I know…Not exactly what you wanted to hear, right?)
You may feel like the Israelites wandering in the wilderness in this season. But God grows His people most dramatically in the wilderness because we are forced to face our inadequacies and lean on Him.
Could it be that God is actually more concerned with our character than our comfort?
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Which of these is the hardest for you? Which is the most helpful?
SO needed in these times, when it’s not only decision but relationships involved. As we talked, I felt we should remind folks that with ‘unprecedented times’ there’ll often be an element of messiness or uncertainty, even when the decision has to be made… sometimes it doesn’t get crystal-clear, tied up in a bow for all concerned. I wonder what Sarah felt like when Abraham said, “Let’s go”, not knowing even where they’d end up!
So wise as always 🙂