Pandemic! The news, in general alarming, does not seem to speak of anything else, this is not strange since cancellations of concerts, sporting events and many other activities do not leave much to report.
But can this situation have a more damaging effect than we think?Even about the believers!
- Jeremiah has already taught us that there are times when we have to choose what we let into our minds (Lm 3:21).
Similarly, the Psalmist learned to speak with his own soul, determining how he would deal with periods of anguish and anguish (Salt 42:11).
However, the Apostle Paul clearly defines the kind of thinking we should be concerned about (Phil 4:8; Fil 3. 2).
In other words: those who represent the Kingdom of God on earth, Jesus’ disciples, cannot allow their way of thinking and spirit to have an open door to everything that is thrown into the air, whether by radio waves, the Internet, or even by the words taught in a conversation. We are bound by the Ordinance of the Lord that we must also love God with understanding (Matthew 22:37).
In this series of articles, we will discuss topics that can give us hope and stay on the path of the development of the Saints, topics that can be remembered appropriately in times of isolation and, because it is the environment of the majority, right?now, let’s start talking about it exactly.
I do not want to point to a sacramental condition in which special blessings are given, nor do I recognize certain patterns of behavior as necessary as a condition for God’s blessings. Even so, we can benefit from observing, in the Scriptures, the wisdom and care of God towards his children, often taking them away in a state of isolation, to a greater or lesser degree, so that they are educated and formed in faith, dependence of God and obedience due to Him, appreciating these situations can fill us with hope and encourage us along the way.
Remember, to begin with, the Father of Faith, Abraham, who has turned away from his land and family, departing . not knowing where I was going. Most of his experiences with God took place in the solitude of his pilgrimages, even when he was among other peoples, Abraham had no way of identifying with them, since the purpose of his travels was not to find a better place to survive or protect himself. enemies, but to fulfill the Lord’s purposes. Your faith has been tested and strengthened in solitude!
Or do you think of Moses, have you been taken away from all the life you knew, from the whole routine I was used to and thrown into a completely different world?And that’s for forty years. Of course, his knowledge of God would improve during the fulfillment of the mission, but it was there, in the most arid areas of Miman, that he knew God and learned to trust and obey Him; their faith and obedience were strengthened during loneliness. of his travels than during his time among God’s people.
David is another example!In addition to the time when, as a pastor, you experienced the retreat of the comforts of home and city!David has certainly learned to value the time of solitude, to observe the world around him, to reflect on God’s dominion over all his beings. After all, wasn’t that your argument throughout the episode involving Goliath, was it with the soldiers, was it with Saul?These lessons were so valuable that he also learned to use moments of solitude during the night to learn more about God and His Kingdom.
Perhaps the most interesting example is Elijah, did the lord’s energetic prophet discover that he was not so energetic when God led him into the wilderness, when he depended on crows, when he was frightened by winds, earthquakes, and fire?you finally discover God there — the same God who was always with him everywhere and at all times. Trapped in isolation by God Himself, Elijah is ironically confronted by God Himself with the question “What are you doing here, Elijah?”Sometimes, do you need to go back to see better?
How about isolation, loneliness, within a city and surrounded by several people ?, this was the case of Paul, just after meeting Jesus, on the way to Damascus, was blinded for a while, but the greatest loneliness was brought by the awareness that his universe was the opposite of what it should be, besides this first moment, Paulo also isolated himself in Arabia for a few years , but there would be more: for a long time Paul, who was a man on the road, On the ground of mission, the foundation of churches, lived as a prisoner, first in Caesarea, then in Rome. This period was not fruitless, as evidenced by the composition of the “Letters of Incarceration” (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Phileman).
Finally, our Savior knew how to value the time of solitude like no one else, the accounts of how He voluntarily walked away, several times during the night, to be alone with the Father are constant. Let us remember that Jesus’ public ministry was not initiated without first being guided, by the Spirit, into a desert, to be tempted.
There are other examples in the Bible, but I think it is enough to encourage us to rest in God’s hands during times of isolation. We may still face a lifetime abstinence that has nothing to do with a pandemic. A disease or the evangelical mission itself may be the cause. Thousands of Christians are forced to flee, to isolate themselves, because of religious persecution in the world. These times are not pleasant for us. We react impatiently and, as I wrote earlier, is it understandable, since we were created?Social animals? as has been said to be a guy.
But we need to stand firm in the Word. Those who have been educated in sound doctrine will realize how beneficial truly biblical preaching and instruction are, because it is in these situations that we seem to be more sensitive to our real condition as men and women who depend entirely on the Lord.
Therefore, take this time to intentionally use the means of grace and tools that God has made available to us. Don’t be intimidated or discouraged! With great joy you can say, unlike the rest of the people: “It’s not about resting in statements like ” Calm down!”Will everything pass and we will be fine?”; on the contrary, our statement is: “All things contribute to the good of those who love God, of those who are called according to their plan. “