Cicero is remembered to say, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” This week, I’m deeply grateful for my family, my church, my team, and above all, to God.
A theology professor once told me that theology is more about unearthing buried or forgotten truths than developing original ones. During my recent bout with COVID-19, as I reflected and prayed, this became very real to me. The Holy Spirit brought new life to many lessons that I once knew or heard. You all have put flesh, bones and action to them, and now I want to offer them back to you:
Lesson 1: My Value (and Yours) is Inherent
When I felt pressured to perform and produce, my family and faith community reminded me that my well-being was more important than my output. Their words, “Stay home, rest. That is the important thing for you,” were a powerful affirmation.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)
Lesson 2: We, Not Me
When I had to drop my Sunday responsibilities at the last minute, Danny, Keith, Sophia, Sam, Michael, the Media Team and so many others stepped in seamlessly. I saw the power of mission-focused effort.
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:4-5)
Lesson 3: Small Gestures, Big Impact
A timely text message from a church visitor with words of encouragement was just what I needed in my loneliness. Many reached out, some offered food and others were praying. These seemingly small gestures carry immense care.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)
Lesson 4: Resilient Yet Fragile
Bodies have the wisdom to heal, but we must let them. Resting was the hardest and most necessary thing for me to do.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Lesson 5: The Golden Rule in Reverse
Allowing others to care for me felt selfish, but I must learn to receive love and care as much as I want to give them.
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)
Lesson 6: Giving Over, Not Giving Up
In quarantine, I felt like a failure by not keeping up. When I released my struggles, I remembered I was not giving up, but giving it over to God and God’s people.
“Cast all your anxiety on God because God cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Lesson 7: All Things Work Together
Sometimes, well-intentioned Christians say that “all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28) on our hardest days. It can sound tone-deaf. What does that mean when life is hardest? It’s important to honor the “God’s eye” perspective and remember that life is not the simple math “Pleasing God = Life’s Benefits” and “Displeasing God = All Life’s Pains.” So much spiritual misery flows from this assumption! Not every event in our lives is good, but God can bring good out of our whole lives.
The “good” Paul describes is in God’s character and purposes, often involving our spiritual growth, becoming more like Christ and aligning with God’s love. Even in times of real struggle, like fighting sickness, grieving our loved ones or facing personal challenges, God is working. Yes, God is shaping us and preparing us for nothing less than eternal life.
Every single part of your life in the hands of God is gently held, persistently healed and downright useful for spreading good news – and always remember, of everyone you know, sometimes the one who most needs to hear the good news is you.
Grace & Peace,