Under A Wave

I have a note on the side of this blog explaining where my graphics originate – but I don’t know the source for this wave. It is an awesome shot, isn’t it? I wish I knew the source in order to acknowledge the creator - the owner holds the copyright. However, I don’t. I can only apologize if I hear from the owner and will remove if requested.

Right now most of us feel as though there is a huge wave waiting to inundate us – COVID-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, is hanging over our heads, and has taken down a large number of people. That wasn’t the problem for Israel in Isaiah. Their enemies were other kingdoms, and Isaiah passed on prophetic advice:

Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. (Isaiah 26:20 KJV)

That is pretty much the same advice many governors are giving to their states. Our Governor Abbott declared an emergency March 20 to run through April 3, subject to continuation depending on the situational changes. The gist of the orders are:

Order No. 1 - In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
Order No. 2 - In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors; provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of this executive order.
Order No. 3 - In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
Order No. 4 - In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, schools shall temporarily close.

Counties and cities may be more stringent – as Dallas’ Judge Clay Jenkins stated in a news conference Sunday, telling people to stay home and shelter in place. Isn’t that pretty much what Israel was told in the scripture?

I can tell you that hiding in our chambers has both good and bad results. The good is an opportunity to do all of the items I’ve been procrastinating about. The bad is I can no longer procrastinate!
I miss fellowship at church. Technology allows us to watch the services online, even join in the singing. Thankfully, no one really cares if we are on key or not, and Russell Robinson always is. If you would like to join in on one of our services, you can find them on the church website: First Baptist Church of Cottondale, or on the church Facebook page.

The church recently remodeled the sanctuary, which included some electronic upgrades. Streaming actually began the last of February, but it is such a blessing to have it available now. Services are held at CDT Sunday morning at 10:00 for Sunday School, 11:00 for worship service, 6:00 pm for evening service, and 7:00 pm for Wednesday service. Pastor also streams encouraging messages during the week.

The connection to the graphic is:  Will we be overwhelmed by the wave of the virus, the stress, the limitations, the job loss, or simply the unknown fears? I believe we will somewhere along the way, but not every moment of every day. We are invited to find peace:

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 KJV)

Philippians is a rather short book in the Bible, but has some awesomely strengthening verses. One that should give every Christian courage is:

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13 KJV)

Read more about Paul – starting in Acts, then his letters – to find out how much strength he needed. Then know that same strengthening is available to us from the same Christ Paul served. He is available every moment of every day.