Core scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Message: Well, our Spring Break has just been extended from one to three weeks.  The uncertainty of what is to come regarding the coronavirus makes things a bit edgy.  How will we survive this boredom, being cooped up at home?  What will happen with state testing?  How will students learn from home?  How will we make up all those lost days with the upcoming units I have already planned?

And then I stopped.

How could my concerns be so selfish?  Every one of them impacted me directly.  What about others?  How will the low income students get food?  What will happen to local businesses?  How will countless people who have the coronavirus survive the symptoms?  Will fear completely engulf our society where some will question God’s dominion over our world?  How could God allow this to happen to innocent people?

So much uncertainty.  It is as if we are searching for the right radio station on a road trip and the only stations we find are negativity, pessimism, and fear.  Stop this blind searching.  There is a station right in front of us that can provide the hope we need, and that station is found in God’s Word.  I want to open the floodgates and overwhelm the rest of this blog with God’s promises and truths.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

“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)

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4)

“A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.  You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.  Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.” (Psalm 91:7-10)

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Pretty refreshing.  Any words I would try to say cannot compare to the power, truth, and overwhelming comfort of God’s Word.  Let it provide you the road map to navigate the uncertainty of life right now.

Challenge: Use this extra down time to dive into the Bible.  Find a new devotion plan on YouVersion.  Journal.  Highlight verses God puts on your heart.  Memorize them.  Pull out a good Christian book.  Pray without ceasing.  Quiet yourself and listen.

Song application: “Rescuer” by Rend Collective

Prayer points:

• Pray for students and families in need of provision.
• Pray for patience for everyone as we wait for clarity.
• Pray for God to put His healing touch on those affected by the coronavirus.
• Pray for wisdom for doctors and first responders as they help others.
• Pray for life lessons and learning to still take place outside of the classroom.
• Pray for positivity to win out over negativity.
• Pray for everyone to realize that God is in control and His goodness will prevail.

Just for fun: We are in desperate need of a laugh or two.  Search up any “Try Not to Laugh” video on YouTube and see what happens.

Prayer: Lord, amidst the uncertainty and negativity of life, let me find comfort and hope in your Word.  Amen.