As we begin to ease back into the 'new normal', here are some thoughts:
"It was faith that made Noah hear God's warnings about things in the future that he could not see..." Hebrews 11:7 (GNT)
✔️Don't believe that lack of clarity about the future is a lack of faith. Noah built for the future and prepared for the future even though he couldn't see the future. Not even the brightest expert can see the future clearly. Admit it. Choose to live by faith.
✔️Things will not go back to how it used to be. There will be a 'new normal'. The world is never the same after a pandemic - whether it's Noah's flood or the Corona Virus. Embrace change. Choose to live by faith.
✔️Conspiracy evangelists will continue to focus on a 'new world order' because they are convinced this pandemic is a combination of the judgement of God, the signs of the end times and a plan hatched by the powerful to control the world. Conspiracy evangelists don't determine your future - the promises of God do. Choose to live by faith.
✔️Over-religious voices will claim that heeding to warnings on social distancing, wearing protective clothing etc is a lack of faith. They will claim that if Noah was a real man of faith, he wouldn't have needed an ark in the flood and should have trusted God's supernatural protection. Don't be intimidated by these voices. Make your own choices. Choose to live by faith.
✔️God's first instruction (Gen 8:17) to Noah as he was coming out of the ark into a world that had been wiped out by the flood was to multiply, be fruitful and increase. Ironically these were the exact words given to Adam in the perfection of Eden. Whatever your world looks like - a perfect garden or post-pandemic emptiness - be fruitful, multiply and increase. Choose to live by faith.
✔️The first thing Noah did as he left the ark was praise and worship. You can choose to focus on what the pandemic took away or be thankful that God and His promises are never taken away. What can separate us from the love of God? Choose to live by faith.
Now for some practical advice I read online:
🛑Some people don’t agree with opening...that’s okay. Be kind.
🏡Some people are still planning to stay home...that’s okay. Be kind.
🦠Some are still scared of getting the virus and a second wave happening...that’s okay. Be kind.
💰Some are sighing with relief to go back to work knowing they may not lose their business or their homes...that’s okay. Be kind.
😳Some people already lost their jobs and businesses. Be kind.
👩🏾⚕️Some are thankful they can finally have a surgery they have put off...that’s okay. Be kind.
📝Some will be able to attend interviews after weeks without a job...that’s okay. Be kind.
😷Some will wear masks for weeks...that’s okay. Be kind.
💅🏻Some people will rush out to get their hair or nails done...that’s okay. Be kind.
❤️The point is, everyone has different viewpoints/feelings and that’s okay. Be kind.
And finally as we were on the topic of Noah, Isaiah, reminds us that God is in a good mood:
“Just as I swore in the time of Noah that I would never again let a flood cover the earth, so now I swear that I will never again be angry and punish you. For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you." Isaiah 53:9,10