The Coronavirus ambush
Honestly, this caught all of us by surprise. I don’t know about you, but this feels like an ambush. We were not expecting this magnitude and the impact Coronavirus has had on all of our lives.
This global pandemic has shaken, disrupted and adversely affected everybody’s lives in one way or another, i.e., physically, financially, mentally, emotionally and in ways we never imagined.
Worse of all, this merciless invisible killer has taken the lives of many precious souls. Abruptly stripping us from people and things we loved and enjoyed and at times took for granted.
This is a nightmare that feels like it has no end and an emotional roller coaster we can’t get off.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT
I have wondered, what if I get Coronavirus?
I have wondered if this is the way I’m going to live the rest of my life… in isolation, confinement, social distance. Not doing any of the things I use to do: going to work or church, entertaining in my home, dining out with my husband, breakfast or lunch dates with girlfriends, visit friends, go shopping, hugging.
Whenever I go out, which is seldom, I make sure I wear my mask and gloves. And wherever I go, it is in and out, no looking or hanging around.
I have also wondered what if I get Coronavirus? Would I win the battle? Trust me, I’m doing everything in my power not to find out who would win that battle. I don’t know how my body would respond because this killer is no respecter of person. Don’t care about your age, race, health, social status, degrees, absolutely nothing. The battle is solely between you and it.
There are days I wake up and ask God, “Is the nightmare over?” Then I watch or read the news and it’s a resounding “NO!” Today, there are 19,944,092 cases, 12,823,129 recovered, and sadly 732,014 innocent souls lost their battle worldwide. Each number represents a person, a precious life, somebody’s grandmother, father, aunt, son, friend, neighbor, classmate, co-worker… somebody.
How to get your life back with Coronavirus lurking around?
Not easy at all. With all that is going on in our lives and in the world, it is really easy to give in and give up and fall into a depression and slip into laziness. But no matter how bad it is, there is always hope for brighter days, for things to turn around for good, and that things will get better.
I’ll tell you, God is the One who helps me “keep it together” during trying and unsettling times. He’s doing the same now. Only God can turn bad things into good for those who love Him.
“… Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5 NLT
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 NLT
There are six things you can do to help you get your life back in the midst of this pandemic. Here we go…
1. Pray and thank God
This is number ONE. Go-to God first! Jesus prayed to His Father all the time! Hey, we all need God and certainly need prayer, especially during these trying times. Take time to connect with God. Pray for yourself, your family, friends, teammates, neighbors, community, country and the world.
Talk with God. Let it all hang out and don’t hold back. Tell Him everything, how you feel and what you need. Then thank God for what He has done and will do for you. Knowing that God hears your prayer and will always do what’s best for you. When you are done, call on the name of Jesus, believing that what you asked for in His Mighty Name, you will receive.
If what you asked for is in God’s will, your prayer will be answered in His perfect timing. Because sometimes what we ask for, is not in our best interest or may not be the right time. God always knows what’s best for us and He will always give us what we need when we need it.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
2. Read your Bible
There is no better time than now to read God’s Word and to make it personal. Own it! When the Word of God is deep rooted in your heart, it will get you through difficult times. God’s Word will give you love, wisdom, understanding, hope, comfort, encouragement, joy, peace, guidance, reassurance, and strength as you go through life’s ups and downs.
Stand firm on God’s Word and on His promises, believing that if God said it, it will come to pass for you. If God did it for one, He will surely do it for you. Whatever you are facing, there is a Word for you, right there in the Bible. Everything you need to know about how to live is in there.
Jesus used and relied on God’s Word through His life on earth to help Him and to get Him through trials and difficult times. So if Jesus needed His Father’s Word, how much more do we? Read your Bible!
“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” Romans 15:4 NLT
3. Talk to someone
Yes, we’ve been locked-up and isolated for months. Many of us been working from home since March 2020 and only going out for necessities. Many have lost loved ones, their jobs, going through hardship, pain and suffering. People are feeling lonelier than ever. Some families have gotten closer while others have broken-up.
People are concerned about their future, livelihood, their children’s future, paying their rent, the next meal, car payment, employment, so many uncertainties. The things we freely use to do, now we think about it twice or just don’t do them.
Many of us feel stressed, scared, anxious, depressed, frustrated, angry, tired, lonely, pain, sadness, fear, desperate, helpless and hopeless. Many are mourning the loss of loved ones and hurting because they can’t visit their loved ones.
This situation is affecting people in different ways. There are some who have turned to old addictions, i.e., smoking, drugs, drinking, gambling, etc. just to feel comfort, relief, temporarily forget their worries or just due to boredom.
It just feels like things are completely out of our control. The truth is, it feels like the virus is controlling everything. So, if you are feeling any kind of way, emotions all over the place, talk to someone or seek professional help. Please know that you are not alone. There is someone you can talk to, i.e., family, friend, mentor, pastor, teacher, coach, doctor, therapist… Please talk to someone. And please know that God loves you and is with you. Even when you don’t feel Him, He is right there with you.
“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume as incense.” Proverbs 27:9 NLT
“I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5 NLT
4. Show love
Even if you or a loved one has not been infected by the virus, that should not matter. We are all affected by this virus in one way or another and should want to do our part in stopping the spread of this merciless invisible killer.
My dear brothers and sisters, this is the perfect time, our time, to show the same kind of love Jesus showed each one of us when He died on the cross. Yes, Jesus died so you and I can live in eternity with Him and our Heavenly Father. This is our time to show love by taking care of each other because we are all in this together, like it or not.
Let’s show love, empathy, sympathy and compassion to each other and do everything in our power to keep each other alive and well, so we can all get our lives back. This is certainly not the time to be selfish, this is the time to be selfless, like Jesus. This is the time to do the right thing!
As we all know, there is no Coronavirus vaccine to prevent the infection. But, as we all know, there are three simple acts we can all do to stop the spread of this deadly virus: wash hands, social distance and wear a mask. Yes we can!!!
“Dear children, let’s not merely say we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:18 NLT
5. Treat each other with respect and dignity
We may be frustrated and not happy about the way things are going in our lives, homes, jobs, community, country or world but that doesn’t mean we should take out our frustrations or unhappiness on people who have absolutely nothing to do with our situation and are going through their own things.
So, when we do go out, let’s be kind to one another. Let’s treat each other with respect and dignity. Everybody and I mean everybody deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
We all want to be treated with respect and dignity. Right? Therefore, this is surely the time to put into practice the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12 NLT
6. Live and Enjoy Life
Because we’ve been stuck in our homes for such a long time, we’ve stopped doing certain things and stopped taking care of ourselves and in some cases making ourselves sick or sicker.
I’ll admit, I stopped doing a few things because I was like, why even bother. Honestly, I got kind of lazy. Then a few weeks ago God told me, “You need to live! Get back to doing things and enjoy life.” I thought about it and I said, my God, you are so right. I’m getting older every day and my life is slipping away. I can’t allow this virus to stop me from living, to stop me from feeling alive and take away my joy. So I started back doing stuff. And it feels good! You hear me!
So, if you’re not feeling well, go see your doctor. Depending on what’s going on, it can be a virtual visit. If you have health conditions that require treatments or periodic checks, get back to getting your treatments and checks.
If you haven’t exercised for a while, it’s time for you to get back to moving. Go for a walk, ride your bike, do yoga, join a virtual exercise group. Did you cut back on personal grooming? Well, get back to grooming. Give yourself a manicure and pedicure (at least cut your nails… okay), do your hair, give yourself a facial, pluck those hairs… lol
Miss socializing? Thank God for technology! If you didn’t know how to use it, I’m sure you do now. Have a facetime lunch with a friend, ZOOM dinner with family, call a friend to catch-up, virtually participate in church services and Bible study. Drive by mom’s home and wave and throw kisses to her, write a note or send a card by mail to an uncle. Pickup and drop off groceries for your elderly neighbor. Check on family and friends that live alone.
If you don’t have a hobby, find one, do something you enjoy, that keeps your mind entertained and relaxed, i.e., read a book, do crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, color books, paint, draw, sew, knit, write, cook, bake, make jewelry, etc..
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10 NLT
Let’s get our lives back!
Friends, we have to get our lives back! We can’t allow Coronavirus to stop us from living and enjoying our lives and enjoying our loved ones. We know that our lives will not be the same and there are things we probably will not be able to do for a long time because this deadly virus will be lurking around for a while. But there are things we can do for ourselves, our mental, emotional and physical health, for our loved ones, and to bless others. We are all in this together! The virus went viral. It’s global!
This means that we should be flexible, adjustable, creative, improvise, be patient, tolerant, understanding, thoughtful, take care of each other, protect each other and think of ways to do things differently and safely. Yes we can!
Tomorrow is not promised so we have to get our lives back today!
“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 NLT
Say & Believe this powerful message: “Greater is Jesus in Me!”
From Deb’s 
to yours…
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