Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
As a result of COVID-19 we are now working from home, and as the Adminstrative Assistant, I am on call for our Human Resources Department for the City of Asheville. I am having to triage calls that come in from all over the City, as well as other local governments from other City’s who are calling for advice or to see what we are doing in this situation. Though some of these calls had nothing to do with local government I tried to give as much assistance as I could and directing people to the correct place.
Currently our phones had been rolled to my phone because we weren’t able to get my City phone up and working in time. We were finally able to get it up today, so that means that I will have to go back into work to roll the phones over to my City phone.
For work we have been doing virtual stand up meetings. Some how trying to keep things as normal as possible in light of what is going on. Yesterday was a bit overwhelming to say the least, but it pushed me out of the house to take a much needed walk. I walked for an 1 hour and 45 minutes. Some much needed time to just be and be able to breathe some fresh air.
A couple of days ago I had a Pastors wife calling to see what was the status for churches. I could hear it in her voice, her over all concern and worry. Though we don’t have all the answers, I gave her the information that was known at this time and then I tried to offer some other options for her church. More than anything to give her hope.
This morning we were in the middle of a virtual stand up meeting and my work phone started ringing, and I felt the need to answer it. I turned away from the virtual call and answered. It was the Pastors wife calling back from the other day. By that time we were ending our stand up meeting, so I disconnected from it. She said do you remember me and smiling I said yes ma’am. She said, I was praying that you would answer again. She was wanting an update and then God showed up. In most cases I wouldn’t, but I was led to give her my number, so if she needed any further assistance and to stay connected. I really felt like it was a God connection. She was very grateful and before getting off the phone she expressed her hoping to meet me someday.
This is uncharted territory for us all and we are all trying to navigate our way through this. Even as ministers of the gospel and people of faith, we are human first. Yet, we still have to be the source of light and encouragement that is needed for such a time as this. Sometimes that means lifting each other, even at the moment you might need some encouragement too.
This is an opportunity for the body of Christ to rise up. Don’t get it twisted God is still working.
I see now more than ever the scripture from Mark 16:15 which says, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”. It is being manifested through this COVID-19.
People don’t need more fear, but hope in someone greater than themselves. Offer them Jesus!
Shana Wilson “Give Me You” https://youtu.be/uC0UHJagWNE
As I reflect back on this year so far with it only being the second month of the New Year what a journey it has already been. A lot of people have experienced the bliss and prosperity of what a New Year can bring while some of us have went into the New Year hurting, experiencing some type of pain, disappointment, frustration or a broken heart due to the loss of a loved one(s), a loss of a job, a relationship of some kind has ended or maybe you are fighting for the life of a child. I can guarantee that whatever you maybe experiencing that most of them were unexpected and they came out of no where. For me and I’m sure like many others of you had your goals and plans already set as you were preparing yourself for what you thought was coming next, but then the unexpected happened that caused your life to somewhat shift. I felt my life falling apart in some areas, but as I began to pull myself together I felt my life coming together in others. After the shock of it all I began to shift my focus and I refused to give up. My mind went back to when I was 17 and I felt like there was no hope for me, that my life was over. So I decided and had made up my mind that day to end my life. I went into my father’s room and stood in his bedroom with the gun that I got out of his drawer and pointed it at my head. I was ready to pull the trigger and then I heard this still small voice say, ” I have better for you.” I kept questioning this voice that kept reasoning with me to make me believe that what’s coming is better. I am now almost 42 years old and though in my life I have had to face many challenges it has been better and yet where I am today is not my final destination it is only apart of my itinerary. Joel 2: 25 says, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten, the cankerworms, and the caterpillars, and the palmer worms, my great army which I sent among you.” I said all of that to say this, though the fight has been great God is greater than anything you may face and His grace is sufficient for you. You might not be able to understand it, able to explain it or even see your way out of it at this moment, but allow your faith which sees beyond where you are right now and know that what’s coming is better. Take your focus off of where you are now and invision where you want to be. It won’t always be like this God will perfect that concerning you and sooner or later it will turn in your favor, is turning around for you.
trevawilliams.org 