I read an email this morning and clicked the forward button to send it to a dear friend. He’ll love this one, I said to myself…… until I realized. He went home to be with the Lord on December 27th. My heart ached again. Not for him, he’s having a great time. But for me, I’ll miss him.
The third person in my circle of either close friends or once close friends died just a couple of days ago, one succumbing to complications brought on by the virus. It feels like death is all around.
No one is unhappy to see the calendar flip to 2021. Last year will be one for the ages. We lost millions around the world to an unseen enemy. Not just through SARS-CoV-2, but also that enemy we call Satan. The fallout from this virus goes far beyond a microscopic organism. It feels as if a Spirit of Death is roaming among us. Death of relationships, marriages, careers, finances, and dreams. The devil sure knows how to capitalize on a crisis.
Personally, it’s been a challenge at times. Not able to pursue very specific goals around our ministry – sidelined from life. I like being with people but think I may have turned into an introvert. Well, probably not, but it feels that way.
There is a remedy. He’s called God the Father, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit our guide. We relate to all in One very differently than we do the rest of the world. When Jesus told the Disciples he was sending a Helper it was likely a bit confusing for them. Once He arrived they got it, in a big way.
We can call on that same Holy Spirit to guide and direct each step of our lives. We can pray for the knowledge necessary to set fear aside and abide in the truth that God has this whole so-called crisis under control. It’s no surprise to Him.
Most importantly we can stand against the Spirit of Death and pray for what a mentor of mine has identified as the River of Life. I like that a lot. Pray the River of Life over your household, your community, and the church as a whole. For those who do not know the Lord pray for healing and openness in the face of adversity. A willingness to hear the truth that God loves them and has a rescue waiting.
No more tears, no more grief, no more fear, no more angst. Heaven awaits for those willing to trust the One that brings hope when hopelessness is all around us. Where death has no sting.
And that’s the memo.
Steve
