[This reflection was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 19/Apr/2020]
When I think back to the last item I wrote for Yours, it was all about being thankful, during the ensuing time there have been so many changes in or lives, the world even.
Who would have thought that we would not be meeting for our Easter service and around the world churches would be closed? Yet there are indeed things still to be thankful for. We have amazing technology and a skilled congregation that we can still connect and see and worship together despite our physical separation.
As the pandemic still rages and live are lost it can be a fearful time, worrying about health, loved ones, work or finances. However, as a believer of Jesus we can overcome that fear and worry with faith and prayer. God still loves us and wants to hear our prayers and worship during this time. It was not his desire that we would suffer, but because of that first sin His plan had to change and through Jesus’ sacrifice we have been given hope. Hope of better things to come, but before then we will be tested like the gold that needs refining. Are we seeing the growing pains of faith? Of minds turning, I pray it is so.
I heard a story this week, that resonated during this time and will try to do it justice. A man relayed a dream he had been having. Two dogs were fighting, there was no let up they were locked in battle with one another. One dog was good and named faith, the other was bad and named fear. This dream kept reoccurring, so he shared this dream with his friend, who asked, “which one wins?”, to which he replied “the one I feed”. Therefore, at this unprecedented time of lockdown, where fear and uncertainty can cloud our minds, we need to flood out those fears with faith, with daily worship and prayers, to be thankful for all we have – the NHS, homes, provisions, faith , to name but a few.
Heavenly Father, I pray that you will give us faith and growing confidence in you and your love and healing. I pray that you will watch over those I love and those working to save lives and stock shelves. Those who run the country and the services we depend on. I pray for those fighting the virus and those who have lost family and friends. Lord I pray that you will keep us strong in love for you and our neighbour. Help me and all of us to extend kindness and grace. I pray Lord, that you will restore this world and forgive us where we have put material things before you. Heal this land father, heal our hearts and heal our minds, help us in faith and love.
Amen.
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