Does COVID-19 rule in your heart and mind right now?
Recently, during my quiet time, a Bible verse popped off the page and pointed to three things that happened the day before. They were little things. But the trio had a big thing to say. I’ll share the Scripture at the end.
First, I’ll start off with the smallest thing that happened. I was restless to get outside and take photographs. Because of social distancing, I have lost interest in leaving home. So, I thought I would go in my garden and see if there was anything worth noting. I’m glad I heeded the nudge to don my garden clothes from head to foot, because I ended up on my hands and knees taking pictures of dainty spring offerings for 30 minutes.
There were more flowers to photograph than I imagined there would be.
The second thing that happened that day was I didn’t have as much meat as I normally need to make our family’s favorite stew. In fact, I was supposed to make something else, but the store was out of some ingredients (Thank you, dear panic hoarders). So, I chose to do my best and enjoy the journey while I rinsed, chopped, and fried what I did have.
We ended up having more than enough. We had leftovers.
The third thing that happened was my reaction to something I heard. It made me realize I’m not as safe in my house as I thought I was. That realization knocked the wall of denial down that made me think I wasn’t one of the older people who needs to be extra careful. I’m 59—not 29. Yikes!!!
Fear welled up in my heart and squeezed so hard I almost had to sit down. And then I reminded myself God already knows the day I will enter Heaven’s gate.
God knows.
I’m to trust and obey and not give way to fear. Fear doesn’t help anyone. Then I started thinking about a close friend who went Home to Heaven 18 months ago. I imagined the greeting she would give me if I showed up prematurely. I thought of all the times she literally jumped up and down whenever I surprised her with an unannounced visit. Oh, that we all had a friend like her.
Wait. We do. His name is Jesus.
And so, what have God’s children got to fear? Not a thing.
Notta.
The verse I alluded to is 2 Kings 4:43 NIV “They will eat and have some leftover.”
Jesus always makes the little we have enough. The same God who created this universe is the same God who will do what’s best for us. You and I will have enough of whatever we truly need.
Enough food.
Enough joy.
Enough time.
We’re in good hands. We’re in God’s hands.
Does COVID-19 rule? No, it does not. God does. And God is love—not fear. <3
Leave the battle to the Lord
And do not be afraid
For God is a Warrior
Who is Mighty to save
~
Leave the battle to the Lord
And do not lose hope
For God is always with us
No matter where we go.
~ wlm
Fearless Blessings ~ Wendy Mac
I’m nosy-to-know what Bible verse is comforting you at this time?
P.S. I originally wrote this as a Facebook post and then realized it may bless my fellow baby boomers in blogosphere too.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV
Thank you for encouraging me as I start this week. During this time, I’m leaning into the Names of God — His character, who He is and who He promises to be. And you know how we’re supposed to wash our hands for 20 seconds? I’m singing “His Banner Over Me is Love” while I scrub away. ❤️
What a wonderful idea to sing a worship song while we wash. 🙂 I’m going to join you in this. Thank you and blessings, dear Beth. <3
I want to “heart” this! Thank you for the uplifting words! All the best!
Thank you, dear Tina. <3 Blessings.
Thank you, Wendy. I love that God says over and over again, “Do not be afraid.” He is with us each day. We only need to look for His presence for surely it is there. Stay safe and well. Love, Karen
Yes, let’s keep looking for His presence. This morning as I stretched before climbing out from under my blankets, these words came to mind: Be calm, be kind, be careful. Thank you, dear Karen. <3
What a beautiful reminder on this foggy Monday morning! Thank you, Wendy. Psalm 46:10 is one of my go to verses right now. “Be still and know that I am God.” Blessings! ❤️
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I love that verse. <3 I still remember the first time I heard it spoken aloud. Yesterday I heard my pastor speak it via his Facebook post. Who knew we'd all be attending church online this spring? God always finds ways to encourage us. Thank you for encouraging me, dear Misty. 🙂 Blessings.
I don’t have a special verse; the one I read last is always so awesome it is my favorite – until I read the next one!
God supplies all our NEEDS according the riches in Christ Jesus. Today i will repeat my often motto, in your words: “Jesus always makes the little we have enough.”
Peace
I can relate to your words: ” The one I read last is always so awesome it is my favorite – until I read the next one!”
I find delight in picking my daily favorite and writing it in my journal. Today’s is: 2 Thessalonians 3:5 NIV May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
These trying times require supernatural love and perseverance to make the little we have enough in the battle against COVID-19.
Thank you and blessings, dear brother.
Beautiful,thank you for your encouragement Wendy.
Pam Mytroen
Thank you, dear Pam. Blessings of His calm and comfort. <3
I don’t have a special verse, but as a musician (I sing and play the piano) the old hymn “God will take care of you” has been running through my head. It’s a beautiful and comforting song that speaks of God’s love and care for us. Perfect for these uncertain times.
Thank you, dear Catherine, for bringing that hymn to my attention. <3 It's comfort for the soul. https://youtu.be/-ORXnfjQAXA
Thank you, dear Wendy! I’ve been thinking of you and wondering how you are faring in these troubling times. Glad to know you were able to get out to your garden and get such lovely photos! And I so appreciate the encouraging words accompanying them. As to my verse, I have been ambling through Psalms today in my Amplified. Psalm 63:6-7 particularly stood out to me- “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate and thoughtfully focus on You in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings [where I am always protected] I sing for joy. ” Such a wonderful comfort to know we are protected in the shadow of His wings, that our joy is not lost, no matter the outward struggles. Blessings and prayers, friend! May you remain well and filled with His joy!
Thank you, dear Marisa. I love the portion you quoted here. It’s comforting. It’s calming.
Yes, may we all “remain well and filled with His joy!”
Today, I again heeded the nudge to gear up and head out to the garden. The plant I least expected to yield the best photos blessed me the most. Life’s like that–isn’t it?
Blessings as you walk in His goodness and wonder. xo
Powerful, Wendy. Love the poem, especially this first stanza:
Leave the battle to the Lord
And do not be afraid
For God is a Warrior
Who is Mighty to save
Thank you, dear Karen, for sharing this stanza and post on Twitter. Blessings to you and your husband as you both continue to encourage God’s people. <3
Lovely and inspiring post, Wendy. Our God is faithful and will strenghthen us… 2 Thess 3:3. Such an encouraging and wonderful promise to all His people! Much prayer and love ♥️
I just did a double-take as I read your comment because 2 Thessalonians 3 was my New Testament reading for this morning. 🙂 Thank you for blessing me, dear Iris. <3 I had written down the 5th verse, but now I'm going to include verse 3 in a podcast I'm working on. xo
I loved reading this on your Facebook page, Wendy, and it’s a joy to read it again here today too. What a precious passage that the Lord led you to, on the very day when He knew you needed it. He is so faithful to us! And of course you know that I love the photos of your garden. Always enough, even to share with a weary friend in Wisconsin. Thank you, and thank the Lord that springtime will come here too. Blessings and prayers for you, dear friend.
Thank you, dear Bettie. Your name, sweet friend, remains on my prayer shortlist for those who are fighting health battles.
Hugs. xo
Though we cannot see the army
Of God’s angels in the hills
We’re surrounded by His help
So we can trust and be still
~
Though we cannot see His hand
Holding back our enemies
We’re embraced by His help
So we can rest and be at peace.
~ Blessings <3
Oh Dear Sister, what precious words here. Thank you so much!!!
<3
Psalm 91 had been comforting to me at this time…
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
7 A thousand may fall at your side
And ten thousand at your right hand,
But it shall not approach you.
8 You will only look on with your eyes
And see the recompense of the wicked.
9 For you have made the Lord, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
10 No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.
11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
12 They will bear you up in their hands,
That you do not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.
14 “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
15 “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 “With a long life I will satisfy him
And let him see My salvation.”
<3
Thank you, dear Julie. <3 I love the imagery in this Psalm, especially in verse 4: "…under His wings you may seek refuge…"
Blessings.
Thank you, dear Misty, for sharing the link to my post. <3
Thank you, Wil, for sharing my blog link. Blessings. 🙂