The devotional below was written on March 15th and things in just over a week have escalated dramatically. I understand this Coronavirus pandemic is way more than a “snow day,” and it looks like I won’t be going back to work this school year! It’s hard to even put into words the prayers I have, which thank goodness we have an intercessor who does that for us when we can’t, as it tells us in Romans 8:26 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
For some of you, you are on the front lines in the medical field or restocking grocery shelves, maybe this virus took your job and maybe it’s trying to take your health as well. Some have had graduations taken, weddings postponed, goals you’ve worked on put on hold. The footprint of this is huge. We are all in very different seasons and circumstances during this time. I saw a post by Louie Giglio that said “The church has left the building.” I hope that lights a fire in you like it did me! We are the church, we get to be church to others in such new ways as we have the Holy Spirit living in us! “For such a time as this,” let us be found faithful with being the church outside the walls in a whole new way! And for many, it looks like it begins within the four walls of our homes, including mine as I will have Bill home and Annabelle! What I thought would be quiet and focused time for me has changed as well with Ohio under a Shelter in Place. Please know I am praying extra hard for my friends and family who are single, widows, and mommas with younger and older kids home!!!!
Yet, I still keep coming back to the question God keeps asking me, how will I use this time for His glory, the Gospel, and His good? Let me know how God is using you, developing you, keeping you still before Him(because honestly it’s hard for us to be still and just “be” and not “do”) during this time, or how you’ve seen Him at work in new ways?
I Prayed for a Snow Day
Be careful of what you pray for. All winter, and yes even into March because I live in Ohio, I had prayed for just one snow day…well maybe two. A snow day where all have to stay home and just be. No meetings to rush to, extracurricular activities to take kids to, no church activities, no errands, and no work. Just a day to be…be still.
To back up a bit, I wanted more than just a snow day or two. I had been seeking an answer from the Lord about whether or not to stay in my job, one that He had clearly dropped in my lap, yet one I didn't want. However, this job had become more of a blessing than I can write about now. This job landed me the title of “lunch lady” in an elementary school 2 minutes out my front door. The one where you get to wear non-skid shoes, a green polyester shirt, and the never forgiving hairnet (although I opted for the visor because big hair doesn’t fare well in a hairnet!) I’ve been at this job for over a year and half and have come to love it because of my manager who’s the head cook, and the community of kids. Granted, I have no background in kitchen services, aside from serving my family of 6. I cook because I have to, yet my manager, who is a best friend now, cooks to serve! Suffice it to say, making sun butter and jelly sandwiches, vegetables and hummus options, and an extra, extra bar with all kinds of veggies and fruit wasn’t so bad because I knew God had placed me there, and it was just me and my “boss” working together day in and day out. Not a bad gig.
This is where the story begins to take a turn. My background is in broadcast news, but transitioned to full time ministry. This is what happens when you marry someone going to seminary. My broadcasting background became about broadcasting the “Good News.” This was a fit as I was able to use my communication skills and step into my calling. I stepped as much as I could having 4 kids at home and being a pastor’s wife. I relished my teaching times as I led Bible studies, women’s retreats, and had speaking opportunities. Yet, there was this sense of God wanting and asking more. At times I was obedient and would step it up, then there would be a new season to adapt to and I would readjust. Then, finally, came the empty nest and I thought yes, now is my time to write and capture all that God wants me to share about His grace. And it got crazier, God moved us from Tennessee to Ohio from family and friends, I thought wow…now I’ll really be able to concentrate on “my calling.”
Not so fast, enter lunch lady. Really, this is what you want of me God..you’ve gifted me with so much more (there’s some vulnerability for you,) and you’re putting me in a school cafeteria to serve lunches and wash dishes. I humbled myself and accepted this call.
Recently, I sense God pushing buttons in me to rekindle the calling of teaching, speaking and writing on His grace for others! Well, yes please. At this same time, my boss made the decision to retire and take care of her first grandbaby. I thought yes, this is my out, my answer! If she’s leaving, I can leave. But there was never a peace as I sensed God saying, hang on..something’s coming. I knew He was asking more of me but there was an issue of time, and the discipline in that is a struggle for me. I thought the easy way out was just to quit the job, and then, voila, there’s more time.
Well, in walks the coronavirus. Please hear me on this, in no way am I making light of Covid 19, it’s very serious and I pray for all affected across the globe. I pray for our leaders and our medical staff...this list is endless, along with safe ways that I can help. As one brother said, “wash your hands, but wash others feet.” Yet, it is comforting to trust my God during this tragic pandemic “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV) I never imagined how God would answer my prayer regarding my job and finding more time. In the midst of this serious outbreak, He has given me 3 weeks of “snow days” due to the coronavirus. God pushed pause for me, to have that quiet time I craved and desired. Now I discern He’s asking how will I use this time for His glory, the gospel, and His good. Amidst a pandemic and uncertainty God is still at work, even in our very personal lives. In this I rejoice, that He’s working in all situations from personal, to local, to global. It’s still hard to wrap my head around God’s answer to me, while others are battling this life-threatening illness, from the physical, mental, emotional, and financial side. Yet I know, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (I Corinthians 2:9 NIV) Maybe God’s giving you a pause, how will you use this time for His glory, the gospel, and His good?
