Like many of you, I am sure it is an understatement to say that I have found that this season is full of struggles. The underlying struggle appears to be to stay physically healthy, right? I mean this virus has clearly shown that it is a threat to our health, but is that the biggest threat? I am counted among those who are at greater risk with this virus because I have an immune disorder which can be life threatening if I am knocked out of remission by a serious illness. However, I am finding that this virus is much more of a spiritual threat than a physical one.
For many of us, our voluntary quarantine has been an excuse to engage in gluttony of all sorts, mainly overeating and eating poorly under the banner of "stress" eating which is the perfect accompaniment to laziness and hours upon hours of staring at screens of all sorts.
Then there is the other sub-section of the population that has thrown themselves headlong into the distraction of home improvement and epic Spring cleaning. To be fair, this is the group I wanted to belong to but as I began my first big job, I had a nasty fall and broke my arm, thus excusing me to the prior couch potato group and a good bit of feeling sorry for myself.
Okay, okay, simmer down. I am sure you are formulating your responses to this bit of conviction about whichever category you fall in. My point is this, as believers are we allowing ourselves to be distracted from the spiritual battle of the current situation? We know what it says in Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." But are we disengaging ourselves from the spiritual battle with distractions in the physical realm? Hence my title, "The Struggle is Real".
We are in a struggle to stay spiritually connected to the days and events at hand.
Are we using social distancing as an excuse to stop reaching out and to spiritually distance ourselves from opportunities to share the love of Christ through encouragement and service? Are we more concerned with regular and vigorous hand washing than we are with the daily cleansing practice of being in His Word and responding to conviction and direction of His Holy Spirit?
Here a few more parallels I see between the physical practices we have been asked to engage in to prevent/treat this virus and their connection to the spiritual practices believers should be engaging:
Wearing a Mask: A mask is intended for protection, but are you masking the true contents of your heart with the distractions of this world? Are you avoiding the spiritual battle we have been called to?
The News: While it is important to stay connected to the direction we are being given to help "flatten the curve", is focusing on the media growing fear within you? Limit your time with media of all types and focus on the good news that--whatever happens--if you love Him and are called by His name, that the Battle is won and you will have eternal victory with Him.
Get Plenty of Rest: Are you resting in His mercy and grace? Take time to remind yourself and those around you of His promises for a future and a hope. However, avoid laziness; use good stewardship of your time to care for your home, family, and friends.
Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drinking plenty of water is always a good idea for overall health. Stay spiritually hydrated too, spend time each day in his Word, pray without ceasing, and fill your home with worship. There are so many churches that are posting their services, watch one each day to stay filled with hope and truth.
The battle is won, people! Stay encouraged and be engaged both physically and spiritually in this season of trials and allow the Holy Spirit to work through you for the good of His kingdom. If you are not a believer and want to know more about Jesus and how He won the battle over sin and death for us, message me, I am ready tell you how Jesus removed the spiritual distancing between you and the Father and how you can rest in His promises.
Lisa Strong
Welcoming Team