The question I have been asking with all that is going on in our world right now is why you might even want to read what I write. What do I have to offer in this time of unprecedented concern? Before 2020 began I prayed for one word as the theme message to focus on giving you throughout the year. The one word I felt led to choose is “Significance.” This week, as I prayed and considered what I should write, or even IF I should write, I realized that now, more than ever, I can still encourage you in your significance. As I have questioned whether I have something to offer I have realized that I do, and so do you.
“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT
You may feel helpless right now. We all do! However, you are still an important influence in your circle. Don’t minimize your significance. God has given you spiritual gifts, abilities that are uniquely yours. God has given you and I gifts so that we can help each other. Ask Him what you can be doing with your gifts RIGHT NOW. You are needed.
You are needed by your family. You may be stuck at home all day with your family in this time of social distancing. How are you responding? You can influence your family with your special abilities. Your example makes a difference now more than ever! Keep yourself rooted in the truth of Christ so that you can give that truth to those closest to you in the way you live this out.
You are needed by your church. Most churches are not meeting in person right now, but the building is not the church, right? The people are the church! Your church family needs you to be praying, of course, but also to be reaching out by phone, social media, whatever means you have available to you to encourage and strengthen those whom you are connected with. There IS a way that you can be serving your church family RIGHT NOW even if it looks different from the way you normally serve.
You are needed by your community. Your actions and mine are extremely important to our communities. The bottom line in this crisis is that the actions of one person have far-reaching consequences. Each one of us could be a virus carrier and, even if the illness does not affect me severely, I could carry it to someone who could carry it to someone else whose health might be threatened. Don't minimize your significance in protecting the vulnerable. This is a time for sacrifice. As Christians, we believe in the power of sacrifice to save lives. Let's live that.
We live it by supporting our government leaders. Whether you agree with their decisions or not, they are doing the best they know how in a scenario that no one imagined. Don’t make their job harder. Consider others as you seek to take care of your own family. Support organizations that are meeting needs you can’t by letting people know where they can go. Division is not a valuable use of limited energy, especially now. Your community needs you to do your part.
Dear One, not one of us knows how this is going to play out. Continue to ask God what you can do with your special gifts and abilities to help those in your sphere of influence. Your contribution matters! Don’t minimize your significance.
Key thought: Your contribution matters.
A Scripture to consider: “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT
A YES challenge: Ask God to show you how you can use your special gifts to help others during this time of crisis, even if that someone else is right in your own home.
Prayer: O God, You know the end from the beginning. You are not surprised by this crisis that is disrupting all of our lives. Help me to remember that You are in this. Help me to keep looking for Your hand. Show me what You have for me to do. Show me how I can use my abilities to help someone else. Amen.
