Sunday Writing... 3-15-20... "PANDEMIC POSITIVES"

Good morning!

Many of you may be sick of hearing about the Pandemic (no pun intended!), but in today's writing, "PANDEMIC POSITIVES" perhaps you will find something different.  It is not meant to make light of those suffering for a multitude of possible reasons as a result of this COVID-19 pandemic.  I am praying you are able to find something positive out of it all.

Blessings,
Jan

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Today's Devotional: 

"PANDEMIC POSITIVES"

by

Jan Andersen

Perhaps you are already tired of hearing about the COVID-19 pandemic and what all the businesses around you are doing about it, and all the hoarding of certain items from the grocery stores etc.  Or perhaps you have been directly negatively impacted, either through quarantine, lost business, cancelations, or worse yet, a death of a friend or family member from this virus.  If you happen to be a person at high risk with a compromised immune system, you might not find the jokes about it on social media funny at all and feel the increased attention to ways to fight the spread of the virus could never be too much.  Some are living in fear, others are shrugging it off and wondering why all the fuss.

Whatever angle we look at it, this pandemic is having a major effect around the world, much of it negative.  But let’s try looking at some of the possible positives.  We should always be washing our hands for 20 seconds after touching things that might be contaminated with anything, so this is a good reminder.  Public places are being more vigilant about cleanliness as well, which can’t be a bad thing!  People are staying home more, whether it be because events were canceled, or they don’t want to travel, or schools being closed etc.  So this could be a time to do more family things together at home, or just time to “be still” or enjoy a book and so forth.  We could even spend more time reading the Bible, doing devotions, and praying.  Most importantly it is a time we can turn our focus to our faith in God, and His faithfulness to us.  He promises to protect and save us and reminds us we don’t need to be in fear of the things of this world - He is our refuge.

Psalm 91:3-4 NIV  Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.  You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 

Interestingly, the word pandemic is from Greek meaning “all people” as in the disease has spread to people all over the world.  Imagine if faith in the one true God became pandemic!  This virus pandemic has driven many churches to doing online services - and it is proving to be a great witnessing tool to the world.  Remember to spread the Good News of salvation by grace through faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Let’s get a Christian pandemic going!

Dear Father in heaven, we know that you are our refuge and strength, and that we need not fear.  Sometimes we get wrapped up in unnecessary worry.  Help keep us focused on your promise to always be with us, even when the things of this world may trip us up.  When we are confident in your protection, help us to remember to share that with others and help them through their struggles, giving all glory to You as a witness.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.                               

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Song:

SAME POWER

Jeremy Camp

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Prayers are lifted up daily for you by the Writing Staff of 

Women's Focus Ministries.

Blog Writers

 Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,   

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  Cathy Friberg, 

Jan Andersen and  Corinne Mustafa

Occasional Contributors
Kathy Bireley,  Lynda Kinnard, 

Terri Baker, Beverley Napier, 

 Amie Spruiell, and Lisabeth Lipp