Sunday, March 22, 2020

Be Still



"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." - Exodus 14:14

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:10


Earlier this year I faced a difficult situation, stuck between several tough choices as I had left my full-time corporate job and was venturing out into a risky start-up business.  Things weren't going as planned, and I didn't know what to do.  Laying in bed one night, stressed out and near panic, I asked God what I should do as I sat at a crossroads and needed an answer as to which path to take.  Expecting God to give me the answer, I instead heard God say, "Be Still."

Only a couple of months later, my situation is made worse, and we now stand at a similar place as a society, with the Covid-19 virus creating an epidemic that is causing fear and panic to overtake us.  We are faced with uncertainty, as we wonder how long it will last, and what impact the situation will have on our jobs, our health, and the world economy.  Our human frailty is in full display, as our reliance on our economy, technology, and medical advances gives way to the reality that the natural world can still create potent enemies of the human body that we aren't prepared to fight, that can take everything away in an instant.

But these times are also a healthy reminder that God is in control, that reliance on Him is our only hope for peace and sanity in an insane world.  Fear would be justified, if we didn't believe that God is here in our midst, with a plan and purpose for humanity.   That because of the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have hope in an eternal salvation, forever in God's presence, along with those family members and friends we have lost to unexpected pandemics such as this.

Sure, there are actions we must all take during this time to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and society at large from this spreading epidemic.  But it's also a unique time in history for rest, as we are called to stay home and change our lifestyles as we wait for this epidemic to play out.  It goes against our very nature to let go and let God work, but it's exactly what God is asking us to do.

My job security and financial future is even more tenuous than before with the present situation.  But God knew all this was going to happen when He told me to "Be Still."  Are we going to trust in God's sovereignty and promises for "hope and a future" during these times, or will we let the world's view of fear and uncertainty take away the daily gift of life?

Do you long to "Be Still"?  Does this sound too good to be true, especially with the world seeming to crumble around us? Today's environment is the perfect time to reflect on your relationship with God, your Creator and Father, who loves you and can't wait to spend eternity with you.  If you don't have the peace of Jesus Christ today, knowing with certainty that you will be in heaven for eternity regardless of this pandemic's outcome, now is the time to ask Jesus to become the Lord of your life. Say this simple prayer, and enter into your time of daily and eternal rest:

"Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Come into my heart.  Wash me clean.  I make you my Lord and Savior. Amen."  

If you prayed this prayer, contact me for more information on how you can grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.  Find a Bible to read and a local church that can support your continued walk with Him.

Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.  But Jesus was sleeping.  The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"  He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.  The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" - Matthew 8:23-27


-Adam Gellert


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