In the blink of an eye, life as we knew it changed. All across the world, people are now isolated in their homes and practicing social distancing. Shopping centers look like ghost towns with empty parking lots. Churches have closed their doors and moved to online services and communication. Telehealth is the new normal as doctors say, “Don’t come here.” Planes are sparsely populated, when they are flying at all. Beaches are off limits in most areas. Parents are learning a new appreciation for teachers as they take on the responsibility to homeschool their kids. And let us not forget, restaurants are closed. I cannot help but wonder, how many of you are absolutely craving a date night at your favorite eatery? That’s at the top of my checklist for things to do when the world starts turning once again.
As individuals, we all need a sense of purpose. Our lives matter and each of us longs to know our place in the world around us. Ephesians 2: 10 (ESV) tells us, For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Regardless of our age, if we have breath, God isn’t finished with us. But what does that look like when the world shuts down?
Like many of you, I found myself face to face with that question. In the midst of this crazy pandemic, Vince and I both felt that it was time for me to resign from one of my jobs and devote more time to ministry. But how? Churches are closed and gatherings are forbidden. Neither of us knew what ministry was supposed to look like. We simply knew I needed to take that step. And so I did.
Not long after submitting my resignation, I saw a FaceBook video of an author reading her children’s book online for kids at home during this homeschooling season. As I watched, I told God, “I could do that. We have books.” Still, I had a problem. I tend to be technologically challenged. I had no idea HOW to make videos, or HOW to create a YouTube channel, or HOW to post them once completed. So I gave those problems to God and pressed into what I believed He was showing me.
After my equipment arrived, I struggled to learn how to use it. I faced ongoing technological problems. I taped, deleted, and taped again. I posted, deleted, and posted again. I texted my pray warrior friends to pray and pray some more. Vince helped me time and again as I struggled to take this next step. And then, we did it. Humpty Dumpty Books became a YouTube Channel and the first two videos were posted. I have attached them below if any of you would like to check them out.
When God impressed upon me to resign one of my jobs and devote more time to ministry, I had NO idea it would start in the form of videos. I couldn’t have imagined it. Mind you, I have done considerable work in ministry, but nothing like this. In the midst of COVID 19, God surprised me with a new way to fulfill my purpose in life, my calling for ministry.
Our God is truly creative. This worldwide pandemic doesn’t change our unique callings or our purposes. As we are confronted with obstacles to fulfilling the plans God has for us, we may need to be open to the new and different ways in which God may want to accomplish His work. If we ask Him, He can show us our place and our purpose in the midst of these challenging times.
We have a world in chaos and many people are in need. How might we touch a life and live with purpose today? A friend of mine told me that she has sponsored several high school seniors at her church who are missing out on prom, spring break, and graduation. She is sending them cards and small gifts to show them they are not forgotten in this time. I’ve seen many people sewing masks for people. Others are delivering groceries. The women’s leadership team at my church started organizing individuals to write daily devotionals. Indeed, there are many ways to serve God right here and right now.
COVID 19 may have changed the way we do things. But, each of us can still live with purpose if we ask God HOW we can serve HIM today. In the not too distant future, the world will indeed start spinning once again and a sense of normalcy will return ……. a 'new normalcy.’ Still, I pray we don’t miss the opportunities He has for us in the midst of this worldwide crisis.
For this blog post, I attached the song “For Such a Time as This” by Wayne Watson. It seems truly fitting. Have a wonderful day, everyone, and may God bless each and every one of you.
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
Lyrics
Now, all I have is now To be faithful To be holy And to shine
Lighting up the darkness Right now, I really have no choice But to voice the truth to the nations A generation looking for God
For such a time as this I was placed upon the earth To hear the voice of God And do His will Whatever it is
For such a time as this For now and all the days He gives I am here, I am here And I am His
For such a time as this
You, Do you ever wonder why Seems like the grass is always greener Under everybody else's sky But right here, right here for this time and place You can live a mirror of His mercy A forgiven image of grace
For such a time as this I was placed upon the earth To hear the voice of God And do His will Whatever it is
For such a time as this For now and all the days He gives I am here, I am here And I am His
For such a time as this
Can't change what's happened till now But we can change what will be By living in holiness That the world will see Jesus
For such a time as this
I was placed upon the earth To hear the voice of God And do His will Whatever it is
For such a time as this For now and all the days He gives I am here, I am here And I am His For such a time as this
Julie Daubenspeck / “The Story Behind May I See the King?”
Julie Daubenspeck reads “May I See the King?”
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