Do Not Be Afraid, April 4, 2020

These really are different times we are living in today. Last night my family and I watched a movie about WW2. How things have changed since then with the many years that have passed, yet, here we are again with an "invisible enemy" attacking our shores. What can we think about all of this? How do we process the news that comes out every day? How do we process how our states "Stay at Home" order beginning on Monday--a different way to look at Holy Week?

Throughout biblical history God has rescued and kept His people. Today is no different for our God has not changed. At one point, as I was reading Isaiah, this is what the Lord said to the Children of Israel and I believe He is saying to us today:

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Isa. 41:10 and earlier this is what it says in the same chapter, verse 4: " Who has done such mighty deeds, directing the affairs of the human race as each new generation marches by? It is I, the LORD, the First and the Last. I am alone am He."

Friends, our God is aware of all you are going through--staying at home, the emotional toll this can take, the loneliness, and for those who are still working, the weariness. Yet, let us together keep our eyes fixed on the First and the Last--the God who understands, the God who cares, the God who even now is at work though we may not see all He is doing. Let Him work in your heart during this time, for as we draw near to God--He will draw near to us!

Standing with you--praying for you--resting in the Father's love together!