The Gift(?) of COVID-19

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COVID-19 has brought a host of challenges. Can God—has God—hidden treasure in the chaos?

Isolation. Disruption. A shift to online everything. Financial and employment changes. Lots of family time for some or, in the case of our locked-down senior adults, no time at all. Treasure?

Ecclesiastes 5:19 says, “when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.” Let’s explore these gifts. 

Wealth and possessions: Do you have some? Solomon reminds us they are gifts. From God. Heavenly provision. Thank You, Lord, for food on the table, clothes on our backs, and for AC in the Texas heat. In addition, God works through relationships: giving and receiving. If you have received, thank Him. If you’ve had the opportunity to give, thank Him. Recognize the gifts both sides represent. 

The ability to enjoy them: I tend to be a glass half-empty kind of gal, but God allows me to find joy in the “small” things. Hot showers. Cold watermelon. A slow soaking rain after weeks of searing heat. Crepe myrtles that pop with color when other flowers droop. Ceiling fans. Iced tea. Hot buttered toast. The touch of my husband’s foot against mine. My dog’s cold nose under my hand. Gifts. Every one. 

To accept their lot: The position of family dog at our house is a good gig. I’ve realized the position of daughter of the Most High God is a pretty sweet gig too. Now that I’ve finished my masters, I’m focused on my writing career. The marketplace is crowded with authors. My job is to receive whatever platform God gives me. I serve Him by giving my best every day as I write for you and yours as He leads. How has He positioned you? Are you making impact? Have you truly received the gift of influence He’s given you—whether it’s at home, at the office, or both?

Be happy in their toil: This too is a gift from God. Not an absence of challenges or frustrations, every job has those, but a joy in the work. Olympic runner Eric Liddell said, “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” Does your work give you pleasure? Why or why not? If not, where’s the disconnect? Are you running on empty? Is your job a beat down? Is change in order, or is God using this to train you? Are you operating apart from God and your giftings?

James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” What treasures has God hidden in this pandemic?

Activities:

  • Make a list of things for which you are thankful.
  • What brings you joy? Make time for that this week.
  • Define your lot. Are you content in this place or not? Why do you think God has placed you here?
  • Define your work. What do you like and dislike about it? How can the likes carry you through the dislikes?
  • Watch It’s a Wonderful Life. How would your movie play out if you had the starring role?

Thank you to all first responders and medical personnel! My daughter joins your ranks this month when she takes her first RN job as a transplant nurse. We are praying for your safety, and we appreciate your work.

1 Comment

  1. Sally on July 6, 2020 at 8:38 pm

    This is a wonderful post, Gayle. Thanks for the encouragement and for the reminder to look for the gifts in the midst of our circumstances.

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