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“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (ESV)

A global pandemic is not good. But God is big enough to use even this for our good and His glory. While our current circumstances are difficult; we can choose to live at the mercy of our circumstances or at the mercy of God. Living at the mercy of God is accepting that He is in control and that He has a plan to use our circumstances to grow us. His purpose for each of us is our sanctification—bringing Him glory through our response to our circumstances. Or, in the words of Sara Groves, “The glory of God is man fully alive.”

When tough times come, my tendency is to shrink back and pause living life to the full. But the Bible tells us that the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. Jesus came that we may have life and have it to the full. (John 10:10 NIV). Here are three things that help combat my tendency to shrink back and may encourage us all to live more fully, even during a global pandemic:

Trusting that we are loved unconditionally. “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39 NIV). We are loved, friends, and we are called to love God and love others regardless of our circumstances.

Trusting that the God who loves us is writing our story. This frees us from comparisons. Mark Twain said, “Comparison is the death of joy.” We need to fight for joy—a crucial ingredient for living the abundant, fully alive life.

Being obedient to what God has called us to do. Even during the storms of life. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Often the good God wants to do is not for us, but in us…and that usually requires our obedience.

Trust and obey… through the hard stuff. Broken relationships and broken dreams. Lost jobs and lost children. Global pandemics. Stuff happens, but God is bigger than stuff. Look for where God is involved. We are not at the mercy of our circumstances. His mercies are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.

“Lord, your love, mercy and faithfulness endure forever. Thank you that can trust in You regardless of our circumstances.”

For His Glory

Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life