Morning Y'all! I pray this post encourages you and gives God glory! Got suggested topics you want me to write about? Please comment below or email me at info@mocatoday.com.
Today marks Week 8 since our lives shifted overnight due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. Can you believe it?
In what many describe as a centenary event, two months have already gone by. So if you're reading this, thanks to God's grace and protection, we've gotten through some very unique, uncertain, tough times thus far. Quick check-in, how are you? What's God been showing you during this time? What's been your highs? Your lows? I would love to hear from you! I shared what I think God is showing us in an earlier blog post.
Now it appears the nation is seriously considering actions to remove or lessen stay-at-home orders soon. Some states have already started re-opening non-essential businesses. It seems we may be entering the downhill phase of the ordered quarantines.
One of my prayers is that I never forget this unprecedented season.
I want to forever be changed for the better going forward.
Twenty years from now, I want to be able to say with all honesty,
"Covid-19 changed my life! It was a life-altering experience that I survived because of God's grace, protection and Jesus Christ."
Moreover, I never want to forget how this season was pure devastation for so many, yet God still provided and protected us. He never forsook me, just like He promised in His Word. I never want to forget how He clearly demonstrated that He indeed is a real, living, sovereign, all-powerful God. May I also never forget that He confirmed what should really matter to me while living this short stint on earth.
So there are thoughts and habits I want to continue after this season:
God and the things of God must always be my first priority. Besides being the First Commandment, God promises in Matthew 6:31-33, if we keep Him and His things most important and first in our lives, then He will take care of all other things we're concerned about, big and small. How do we keep God our top priority? By making daily choices to: Give Him our first fruits (Proverbs 3:9), keep a servant's heart (Galatians 5:13-14), always walk in the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16), spend time with Him in prayer, study His word, enjoy authentic fellowship with other believers, and intentionally consider Him and His ways in everything we do and pursue (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). Finally, we must choose to allow the Holy Spirit to indwell in us to develop our character, teach us, correct us, strengthen our faith, and the list goes on.
I will trust God in and with all things. (Proverbs 3:5-6) If I wasn't 100% willing before, I certainly am now. In all circumstances I face and endure, I will choose to trust God. I will choose to believe the promise He made to believers that He can take what's meant to kill, steal and destroy us and instead use it for our good. (Romans 8:28)
I'm now convinced that a simpler lifestyle actually returns a fuller, more enjoyable life. (Proverbs 13:7) I had no idea how much I would grow to enjoy a simpler lifestyle, without all the frills of external stressors, constant activities, entertainment and other pressures that exist outside our homes. While the world runs on constant stimuli of all types, did you know living simply is actually God's preference and promoted throughout the Bible? The book of Ecclesiastes is just one example, and has a lot to say about this topic. Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.
Staying connected to friends and family matters. According to Genesis 2:18 and other scriptures, long-term isolation is not good for us and not God's intention. I'm fortunate that I come from a very close-knit family, have friends and a church family. But going forward, I will no longer believe the lie that I always have tomorrow for them. All we have is today, so no more taking the precious gift of time I have today to connect, support and love them for granted.
I must protect my thoughts and ways of thinking. (Proverbs 23:7) In the popular book Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren describes,"The way you think, determines the way you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you act." Apostle Paul even said, "There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes." (Ephesians 4:23) Early on, if I didn't assess my initial attitude and emotions against God's character, I could of easily fell victim to letting my worries, fears and anxiety that came with this pandemic take over my life and negatively influence how I chose to live it. But thanks to knowing God's character and His will, I've still been able to walk in strong faith and confidence, not letting the current shaky climate, evolving fears and worries win.
What are some thoughts and habits you want to continue after quarantine?
Please share in the comments section below.
Just a few reminders:
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Remember- It's about progression, not perfection! God loves you! With Him, you got this!
Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!
-Natasha
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