God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble… Cease striving and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
—Psalm 46:1, 10

The Invitation

No one could have predicted the unprecedented events that would unfold as the COVID-19 virus swept the globe. Many people are experiencing upheaval and uncertainty in their lives and ministries. Conversations can be pretty intense as they deal with a wide range of emotions and responses. Some feel angry, some feel guilty, some are afraid, some are grieving deeply. Many just want life to get back to normal.

And that, I think, may be a greater tragedy than the one we are now facing.

Faith assures us that no event is random, and that every experience—painful or pleasant—is rich with meaning. But difficult times seem to have a unique way of opening doors that once seemed firmly closed—even if just a crack—and offering an invitation to step through.

The invitations are as custom-made as a key to a lock, but each has at its heart the ultimate end of knowing God.

This current crisis is an invitation to turn to God for security as everything else gives way, to exalt Him to His proper place, and humbly accept the futility of our own striving. How sad it would be to come through significant times such as these and remain unchanged.

I cannot help but watch with awe as God has literally brought the world to a standstill to invite humanity to Himself. Please pray that this pandemic would cause people to turn to God on a global scale. Pray that revival would sweep through the church. But also pray along with me that He would cause each of our eyes to be open to the unique invitations He has for us in these trying times.

Pastor Dale