"There are PROS AND CONS to everything" is a phrase that has been around a long time. It certainly can be applied to what is going on in our world today. Read on to see how this plays out in God's plan.
Blessings,
Jan
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Today's Devotional:
"PROS AND CONS"
by
Jan Andersen
One of my favorite sayings is “there are pros and cons to everything.” I understand there are some things that are hard to see anything positive about. But even as the devil is nothing but evil, we have to admire his persistence - if only we could be as persistent at sharing our faith!
This recent pandemic has brought about many negative things, besides the fact that it is making thousands sick and die around the world. In an effort to stem the tide of passing along the infection, many places have shut down businesses and required people to stay at home unless for urgent matters. Because of these things, more negative results occur such as people losing their jobs, businesses failing and not being able to ever come back, people not being able to visit their sick and dying relatives in hospitals, and so forth. On top of all that we have individuals hoarding paper goods and foods, others stealing the masks that are so desperately needed by those in healthcare, price gouging on items that can’t be found anywhere, scammers tempting people to click on fake links to information about the virus, and on and on.
Even responses to the situation that are positive can have negative affects. Social distancing to flatten the curve (decrease the spread of the virus) causes some to become isolated and depressed. Schools closed to reduce the spread are presenting real challenges for children's education, canceled dances and graduations, and difficulties on how to care for them during the day. Residential renters being given government mandated extensions on their payments takes money away from the landlords who depend on this income to live and to take care of their properties. A huge stimulus bill costing trillions of dollars puts the country into even deeper debt. Everything has to be weighed for the benefits vs. cost, and sometimes it isn’t black or white, but every shade of gray imaginable.
In spite of all these negatives there are still some very positive actions happening. Students and departments are developing ways to convert things like scuba masks into respirators, or newly designed face shields for healthcare workers. Factories are changing over from whatever they used to make to producing those personal protective equipment items. Groups and individuals are making face masks, and some of them are able to donate them outright. Kids are getting creative and doing on-line treasure hunts like the “Bear Hunt” and the “Rainbow Hunt.” One young girl locally is painting rocks with positive messages and pictures and leaving them around the area, then posting online where they can be found. Little Free Libraries around town are expanding to puzzles, coloring books and so forth for those spending more time than usual at home. Even posting funny memes and some really funny songs about the whole situation is helping keep things light. Children are calling or writing on sidewalks to thank essential workers, bringing a smile to many faces. Some churches that are now doing only on-line services are seeing much higher attendance than any of their in-person services ever had, reaching more people with the Word of God.
There are pros and cons to everything. Sometimes our greatest blessings come from our most difficult struggles and trials! God can take the “cons” and make them into “pros” even in drawing faithful people closer to Him in prayer, and helping them to trust in Him more. In turn we can use our difficulties to reach unbelievers as well.
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Dear Father in heaven, as the whole world is watching this virus destruction spread, help us to keep our focus on You and all the blessings you are bringing out of it or in spite of it, for those who love You and are called to spread your Gospel message to others. May our actions and reactions point to You and bring you glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Song:
BLESSINGS
Laura Story
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(artwork from heartlight.org)
Prayers are lifted up daily for you by the Writing Staff of
Women's Focus Ministries.
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Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward, Cathy Friberg,
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