“God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God’s help. Now you’re in trouble—one round of war after another.”  2 Chronicles 16:9, The Message

Wars, riots, despicable acts of rape, pandemics, injustice, differing opinions that lead to dividing countries in civil war are not new in our world and not a surprise to God. ALL of these acts change our lives.  All are affected by the decisions of a few.  The pandemic is just another life altering crisis in the lives of people around the world.  We must do what we have never done before to protect those we love.  We must wash our hands after touching anything that might spread germs.  (Why weren’t we already doing this?)  We must wear masks to protect others from our breath droplets, sneezes and coughs because that seems to be the most critical in the spread of the virus or any other germ that causes the spread of disease. 

But with consistent life changing habits comes fear and blame.  Fear begins to take over as change alters our lifestyles.  We now fear who has it and who will spread it.  We fear going into public places to do our normal errands and gathering of goods.  We fear hugging, handshakes and high fives.  We fear that we might bring home the virus to those we love who are “at risk” at dying if they succumb to it.  Fear without faith soon turns to anger.

As fear and anger develops and builds in our system, we long for the day for this “to be over”.  How many times have we said it?  “I just want this to be over.”  “I want to go back to normal.”  The longer these mandated changes of wearing a mask, washing our hands, sanitizing all that is touched, washing what we bring home, and other aspects of being safe continue, we begin to resist the “new normal” ways of this life.  We begin to blame others for what we now have to do to be safe.  We blame others who do not comply.  We turn on each other, devouring each other with blame and accusations.  We even call into question our measure of Godly faith!  We judge and blame all people in any kind of authority.  We have a problem and we want it fixed as quickly as it takes us to microwave warmed over pizza. 

As humans, we are very comfortable with quick resolve and self-satisfaction. What we want is not happening soon enough.  We have been spoiled in this country.  We think we can fix anything.  That’s why we resist life change of daily habits so violently and arrogantly.  We resist anyone telling us what to do.  We resist compliance.  We resist anything and everything that gets in the way of our way of life the way we want it. 

Oh Lord, I’m beginning to see a trend, an eye-opening awareness, a judgement of who we say we are collectively as Your people.  We are not as committed as we say we are.   We are a very selfish people.  We have not gone to You for help in growing through crisis.  We have not asked for what You want to do in us through trouble and crisis.  Our complete trust and faith has faltered.  We repent of self. 

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

HOLY PAUSE

Are we asking the wrong questions of God?  Are we only wanting God to fix it, whatever “it” might be that is altering life right now?

Have we truly asked God for help?  Have we asked God to help for others struggling with us?

When God looks over the earth He created, will His eyes fall on us as His totally committed? 

Will He see us as fully committed to Him, no matter what is happening to us or around us?

Are we asking God for help to grow and mature in His character as He leads us through the crisis and chaos of this world?

Do we believe, trust, have faith enough to follow where He leads, even if it is not comfortable?

Lord, it is obvious our thinking is not lining up with your thinking. 

Forgive us. Help us.  Heal us.

Abba Father,

I repent of complaining, blaming and the impatience that stems from fear of the unknown.  I repent of selfishness.  I repent of all that is offensive to you.  Create in me a clean heart that is fully committed to you.  Do what you must to show me what YOU want?  But be gentle.  I am weak but you are strong.  Be my strength.  Reveal Your will and ways for me.  Transform me, grow me, renew Your Holy Spirit in me.  

In Jesus Name, Amen.  I believe.