Here I am starting out the week under a cloud of uncertainty. Last Friday I was tested for the Wuhan virus and I am waiting to get the results back. I have self-quarantined ever since I was told someone I had been around had the virus. I have no symptoms and feel fine, but my life has been placed on hold while I wait to see if I have the virus or not.
The first impact on my life was missing our Wednesday night Church service. I wasn’t able to help with preparation for the service, so someone else had to do more. I didn’t hear the message that wasn’t broadcast on the internet. Our Pastor filled in for me during our Connect group session by leading the discussion and eating my share of the red beans and rice one of our members brought. Yes, I missed a lot!
My wife and I missed our trip to Waco. It was supposed to be in celebration of our 42nd wedding Anniversary and my 63rd Birthday. We will take that trip another time, but our Anniversary and Birthday celebrations were limited this year as we waited at home.
I wasn’t able to attend Church on Sunday and that is a big deal, because I normally make sure our welcome team cares for everyone that comes to our service “from the street to the seat.” In addition, we receive the offering and make visitors feel welcome. Those duties fell on other faithful members of our shorthanded crew as I watched the service from home and waited.
I realize my problems don’t compare with those who are suffering serious illness or are facing death due to the virus. I was warned and was tested and I have no symptoms. Some may be sick and don’t realize it. My inconveniences seem trivial while so many people have lost their jobs and are facing mounting financial problems. It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to watch as your business goes under and you can’t do anything to stop it. Those people are waiting for someone to find the solution and bring this nightmare to end.
Even before the virus showed up, people were waiting for the pain and suffering to end and will continue waiting long after this problem has passed. Even worse off are those who don’t realize they are facing death and destruction. My problems don’t compare, but my answer and theirs is found only in the name of JESUS. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17 KJV). There you go with that “saved” stuff. Saved from what?
Overwhelmingly most important is “saved” from the punishment you deserve, but you are also “saved” into the benefits of accepting JESUS as your LORD and SAVIOR. GOD said “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness (Isa 41:10 KJV). Stop waiting and believe in JESUS and your victorious life in CHRIST begins now!
Wayne Lance (2020)