Blog Post by Eddie Herring
On the surface it may seem difficult to think of the Covid19 pandemic as having any good associated with it. However, if we simply look, we can see the confirmation of scripture. Romans 8:28 (ESV)says “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” What are some of the things that are working together for good?
Are you feeling uncomfortable with not being able to go to church, or with having to hold church service “digitally?” That’s a good thing, in my opinion. It means you miss the assembling together with your brothers and sisters in Christ. This should lead to a greater appreciation of fellowship. It should also act as an encouragement when the quarantine ends to “get back to church.
In calling to check on different church members, it is uplifting to hear people being positive and wanting to return to church. From a financial perspective, it is particularly uplifting to be asked “how can I get my tithes to the church?” The faithfulness of people to the Lord and their church is a blessing.
Seeing videos of doctors, nurses, and medical workers holding worship services on top of their hospital buildings is also uplifting. Knowing they are working extended hours and still recognizing the need for God’s hand is inspiring. We must be willing to praise and worship the Lord wherever we are. Local churches are using innovative means to conduct worship services, such as parking lot services, radio services, live streaming, and other video means.
Christian brothers and sisters are volunteering to help the neediest among us, volunteering to bring items needed to sustain their daily existence. I’ve seen first-hand examples of the love of Christ being exhibited to those in need.
Here are other acts of kindness that have been exhibited:
- a couple in their 80s yelled to get a lady’s attention in a grocery-store parking lot. They told her they were nervous about going into the store because older adults face heightened risk from the coronavirus, so they handed her a $100 bill and a grocery list and asked if she would shop for them. She got their groceries and loaded them into their trunk;
- an elderly lady quarantined in her house was serenaded on her front porch by neighborhood kids with their musical instruments;
- people have been making masks and gowns and donating them to those in need;
- medical workers being appreciated by people gathering their cars in parking lots and flashing the lights and blowing the horns on their vehicles;
- and lastly, people buying only what they need and showing compassion by leaving emergency and essential supplies for those who need them the most. As Paul wrote, “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:4-5 NIV)
One of the greater things, in my opinion, that shows good coming out of this pandemic, is that the lost get to see that we are the church. I often remind our Sunday School class that this is how people will know that we’re disciples of Christ, that we show love one to another (John 13:35). If we put our hope in Jesus, and unleash the power of prayer, this pandemic will turn out to be a testimony of God at work in us and in the world. We just have to be willing to let the Lord use us.
Feel free to list acts of kindness you’ve seen or are aware of by clicking on the comments link at the top of this article.
All Things Work Together For Good
April 5, 2020 by admin • Food for Thought • 0 Comments
Blog Post by Eddie Herring
On the surface it may seem difficult to think of the Covid19 pandemic as having any good associated with it. However, if we simply look, we can see the confirmation of scripture. Romans 8:28 (ESV)says “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” What are some of the things that are working together for good?
Are you feeling uncomfortable with not being able to go to church, or with having to hold church service “digitally?” That’s a good thing, in my opinion. It means you miss the assembling together with your brothers and sisters in Christ. This should lead to a greater appreciation of fellowship. It should also act as an encouragement when the quarantine ends to “get back to church.
In calling to check on different church members, it is uplifting to hear people being positive and wanting to return to church. From a financial perspective, it is particularly uplifting to be asked “how can I get my tithes to the church?” The faithfulness of people to the Lord and their church is a blessing.
Seeing videos of doctors, nurses, and medical workers holding worship services on top of their hospital buildings is also uplifting. Knowing they are working extended hours and still recognizing the need for God’s hand is inspiring. We must be willing to praise and worship the Lord wherever we are. Local churches are using innovative means to conduct worship services, such as parking lot services, radio services, live streaming, and other video means.
Christian brothers and sisters are volunteering to help the neediest among us, volunteering to bring items needed to sustain their daily existence. I’ve seen first-hand examples of the love of Christ being exhibited to those in need.
Here are other acts of kindness that have been exhibited:
One of the greater things, in my opinion, that shows good coming out of this pandemic, is that the lost get to see that we are the church. I often remind our Sunday School class that this is how people will know that we’re disciples of Christ, that we show love one to another (John 13:35). If we put our hope in Jesus, and unleash the power of prayer, this pandemic will turn out to be a testimony of God at work in us and in the world. We just have to be willing to let the Lord use us.
Feel free to list acts of kindness you’ve seen or are aware of by clicking on the comments link at the top of this article.