This virus is exposing so many things about us, isn’t it?
Exposing our dependence on entertainment.
Exposing our flurry and “busy” and rushing.
Exposing the things we did out of obligation or expectation, not purpose.
Exposing our addiction to normalcy, to comfort, to safety.
Exposing our expectation for instant gratification.
Exposing whether or not that house we work so hard to pay for is really a happy home after all.
We’ve all been exposed, haven’t we?

But that was last week. What has it done this week?
Exposed the patience—or lack thereof—I have with those I love the most.
Exposed mindless consumption rather than mindful creativity.
Exposed my tendency to binge Netflix rather than purposefully invest my moments.
Exposed my determination to see this self-isolation through, and exposed my desire to just bag it all and go hug my parents.
Exposed whether I shelter-in-place out of selfishness or out of love.

What have you been exposed to this week, friend?

 

 

Let’s allow the sunlight of God’s Word to disinfect and heal these things now exposed. Let’s shelter in His truth and speak it over those we are with. Whether under the same roof or sharing a video chat, let’s open our hearts and minds to the truth of what Jesus has shared with those He loves:

  • “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b)
  • “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)
  • “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
  • “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)
  • “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

We may feel that the future is full of only question marks, but the truth is none of us know the future and that has not changed. These—and many more—remain constant:

  • God knows exactly what I need.
  • He knows precisely how to grow my faith and cause me to become stronger.
  • His grace is sufficient for my need.
  • God is gracious, God is faithful, and He doesn’t make mistakes.
  • None of this is late-breaking news in Heaven.
  • If the story isn’t good yet, that means it isn’t over. God makes all things good.
  • This is my Father’s world—though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.

Counsel your heart with truth this week, friend.

 

 

Do you happen to be overwhelmed with the need around you? Everybody else is sharing pictures of boredom and seemingly endless free time, but you see and feel the urgency of the right now, the need to respond swiftly to the challenges of this time? Rather than your task list shrinking to take up the space of your home, has it exploded?

You serve the God of loaves and fishes. You serve a King who sees your heart, who knows your love, and delights to include you in His work. Your labor is not in vain and it is not unseen. Could it be that you are here for such a time as this?

When we all venture out of our houses and get to hug each other, I can’t wait to hear how God showed up in a new way in your life.

Cheering,
Mandy

 

 

Wisdom from Sarah Bourns:

We’ve all been exposed.
Not necessarily to the virus
(maybe…who even knows🤷🏼‍♀️).
We’ve all been exposed BY the virus.

Corona is exposing us.
Exposing our weak sides.
Exposing our dark sides.
Exposing what normally lays far beneath the surface of our souls,
hidden by the invisible masks we wear.
Now exposed by the paper masks we can’t hide far enough behind.

Corona is exposing our addiction to comfort.
Our obsession with control.
Our compulsion to hoard.
Our protection of self.

Corona is peeling back our layers.
Tearing down our walls.
Revealing our illusions.
Leveling our best-laid plans.

Corona is exposing the gods we worship:
Our health
Our hurry
Our sense of security.
Our favorite lies
Our secret lusts
Our misplaced trust.

Corona is calling everything into question:
What is the church without a building?
What is my worth without an income?
How do we plan without certainty?
How do we love despite risk?

Corona is exposing me.
My mindless numbing
My endless scrolling
My careless words
My fragile nerves.

We’ve all been exposed.
Our junk laid bare.
Our fears made known.
The band-aid torn.
The masquerade done.

So what now?
What’s left?

Clean hands
Clear eyes
Tender hearts.

What Corona reveals,
God can heal.

Come Lord Jesus.
Have mercy on us.