Where is God during this Pandemic?

Media allows us to see and hear news more quickly and intensely than any other time in history. It can consume us and our attentions. This pandemic of Covid19 commands our focus, incites our fears, and pushes our panic buttons; anxieties are pumped liked veins in a wrestler pinning his opponent. Clearly Covid19 causes chaos and suffering and terrible losses for many all over the globe. Sudden, unexpected death blows a hole right through the center of a being; I know.

So. Where. Is. God?

Where is God during this pandemic?

Does He hear the weeping? Does He see the frantic worry? Does He feel the pains and losses?

I asked these very same questions when my son was consumed by addiction and then died to an overdose. I know the overwhelming pain of sudden, unexpected death in a family. And, I wanted to know the very same things.

Where are you God?

I know the answer.

Let me tell you: I am confident that God is in our midst. The Father hears, and sees, and weeps alongside each one of us, knowing our individual circumstances. Just as I am confident that the Father was with my son as he drew his last breath and ushered him into heaven, I am confident He is with the world now. None of this takes Him by surprise. This pandemic did not take scientists by surprise, so even more so, why should it surprise God?

Scripture tells us of a God who never leaves us or forsakes us. He stood with Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire. He closed the lions mouths for Daniel. He spoke to the waves and made them be still. He rolled the stone away. This is the God I am talking about and just some of the stuff He has done. This God does what He wants, when He wants, and allows what He allows. Why? Because He IS and has a plan. Somehow it all makes sense to Him.

Not fair you say? In our feeble uninformed, unseeing minds and sights, this is true – it is not fair. But, we are not in charge.

Still. Why should we have to endure such a horrid virus as Covid19 that is killing so many? Why us? Why now? Plagues are a thing of the past – something out of the Dark Ages, aren’t they?

Yet, who are we to question really?

Like Job, we are too prideful for our own good, world. Even still, God is patient with us just as a good earthly father is patient with his children. The entire world has suffered since the beginning, starting with the snake, the fruit, and the woman. For thousands of years we have all suffered, simply born into the mess. Yet, we have all been abundantly blessed too; Redeemed by one man, His blood, and a flight into heaven. This is the Father’s plan: that His only son Jesus died for you and for me and for everyone in the world. Ultimately, no matter what virus or trial comes, God is with us, for us, and loves us; That is His plan too.

Where is God during this pandemic? 

He is right here with us, in our midst, watching over the ones who are sick and afraid and blessing them with helping hands, giving wisdom to doctors and scientists, sparing many, and ushering some into the next life beyond this world. In it all, He demonstrates His soveriegn love.

I promise you, He has not left us or forsaken us.

Talk to Him, if you don’t believe me.

 

 

 

 

Covid19: A Real Danger for People in Recovery

Covid19 is a real danger to those in Recovery.

I believe this and I am concerned. It’s not exactly what you may think. It’s not that I think that this group of people are at any more risk than me for catching this virus and reaping its havoc to our health. We are all on equal par for that and I hope we are all doing what we can to stay healthy.

The danger I am concerned about is this:

the level of fear and anxiety this pandemic incites

can create an emotional side-kick that has no mercy and would revel to boot someone right off the wagon.

Though circumstances were different, the emotional overload was similar. My son, in early recovery, fell to relapse after the emotions of dealing with a friends overdose death; it overwhelmed him with hard feelings. Emotions are hard and many use substances to numb feelings; this is a known fact. And this is my concern for those of you who are in recovery. This is my check-in with you all.

Don’t know me, that’s okay… consider me an messenger, sent by the Highest Power who reigns above all others.

I am not a person in recovery, so I cannot speak into your life as another one in recovery can. But, I am a momma who lost her son to an overdose, after relapsing. From here, I want to speak into your life.

I beg you to do two things.

ONE: Stay in community and keep your focus despite your fears and feelings. Keep your eyes on the prize; the prize is your life. Fears and negative feelings lose their power if you talk them out. Don’t stuff them. Don’t ignore them. Don’t give them power over you, causing you to give-in to your drug of choice – remember ALL substances lie. Walk away. Call your mentor. Call you mom or dad or someone you know who loves you. You cannot do this alone – you need to stay in community any way you can.

TWO: Seek the Highest of Powers, truly and for real. It’s not a what…. It’s a who. This who, the Highest of Powers is the living God: the One who created you and me, the One who makes the sun rise and moon shine everyday, the One who loves you and sacrificed Himself for you – His life for yours; this was His choice and His gift to you – no lie here. So take the gift – its free!

I urge you to make this choice to seek Him out. He will give you all the comfort and assurance you need to stay on the path of recovery, especially during these uncertain, stressful times we live in.  Walk into a virtual church service (most are closed right now). Get a Bible and read it like you read the AA/NA manual. Call a Pastor – call my Pastor.  And Pray – it’s just talking to God Himself, and most of all, know that He loves you.

My heart speaks truth and hope for you… therefore, I speak to you boldly.

I have dear friends in recovery. I desire each of them to stay and seek. Will you do the same?