God’s Blessings during our time of trials and separation

Over the past couple of months each of us have experienced a time that is unprecedented and a time in which we will never forget.  When we first heard about COVID19, we had no idea what we were headed for.  One thing I have become aware of is that through this crisis we can experience God’s Blessings in ways that can have a tremendous effect on all our lives, and the lives of those we reach out to in the name of Jesus.

I listen to Christian radio a lot.  On today’s program they asked people two questions:  (1) “What can you take from this virus experience” and, (2)  What do you miss the most as you shelter in place?”  Interesting questions, I would like to share my thoughts with you:

Over the last month I have heard many people say in person, on the radio, and TV, that they feel that God is sending mankind a message through this virus.  I can say that I must agree that God will use times in our lives especially trials like this virus to teach us valuable lessons.

The most important lesson I feel God is sending is that He is looking for us to come to Him.  Since this virus began, I have found myself in deeper prayer for people – more that I can remember in previous times.  I believe as an evangelist that the God’s Holy Spirit is using this time to draw lost people to Jesus Christ.  Five out of seven people in this world are not believers and do not have Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives.  I know that during Hurricane Katrina, more people came to Jesus in the Gulf area than in any time in recorded history for that region. I believe that when this virus is over and behind us, it will be noted that more people became believers in Jesus Christ than ever before.

Additionally, I believe the Holy Spirit is also drawing Christians closer to Jesus than they have ever been.  I am one of them.  I have been praying for God to send a Great Revival across the world and that those in Christ will wake up and begin to fulfill God’s command and the Great Commission:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28: 19-20.

So, let me invite you to think about the Great Commission, and go to God in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit, “Who do I know that needs to have Jesus come into their life so that they too may enter into the Glory of Heaven?”  Let the Holy Spirit direct your thinking and praying for those that need Jesus as Savior.

Another lesson I will take from this crisis is that I have become so aware of the need to keep my hands and everything around me clean.  I have never been so germ conscious.  Washing our hands often and cleaning things that come into our home is a particularly good practice that we all should take advantage of.

The second questions of “What do you miss the most as you shelter in place?”  People’s response to this question has been remarkably interesting.

What I miss most is people, especially my wife Yuka.  Yuka is in a nursing home and I have not seen her since mid-March and oh, how I miss her.  Also my church family.  How I miss seeing our Sanctuary filled with people and listening to our choir sing the beautiful hymns.  We truly do not realize how much we need people until they are not there.

But the one person who is always there is Jesus.  No matter what virus or problem we experience we can always count on the fact that Jesus is always with us.  The only requirement is that we open our hearts and lives to His presence.  In the book of Revelation, the apostle John through Jesus and the angel writes:

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.  So be earnest, and repent.  Here I am!  I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.”  Revelation 3:20

So please take this extra time we all have and connect with God in prayer and reading your Bible thereby bring glory to God, Peace in our own lives, and countless Blessings to others.

As I close, I would like to encourage you to read and meditate on Psalm 91 for protection from this virus.  Thank you for letting me be our Pastor and always know that you can reach out to me anytime I can be of service to you or your family.

God’s Richest Blessings and His protection to you and your family.

Pastor Dick Wolters

Oxford United Methodist Church