In the blink of an eye, everything has changed.
There is nothing newsworthy to report on except the global crisis. Piano lessons, the weekly TOPS meeting, the Friday lunch with co-workers, the weekend ball clinic, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs aren’t written in our day planners or milling through our thoughts. We’ve just missed Easter gatherings in our homes and our churches... never in a million years, would we think that was possible. But, yes, it has happened as our world has been shaken to the core. We still haven’t even found a new normal. We are reeling from the hourly changes, not even just the daily changes, to our personal lives, our personal responsibilities and governmental expectations. Life seems to be falling apart at the seams. Life is just hard right now for countless dear people.
Dear readers, I am carrying you in my heart. The people of this region are in my heart. I love this region. I love the readers of this paper. I have never written this column for the pay (although I was thankful to be paid!). In fact, at this time, as cutbacks have been delivered I am no longer on the payroll. But yet, I consider this opportunity an assignment from the heart of Father God to deliver words of encouragement from His heart to yours. My prayer is that you will be impacted and changed by the words in this column, as always and going forward.
As I listen into what is on the Lord’s heart for this week, I know He wants to impart strength, hope and peace deep into the recesses of your heart. I know He wants to reassure you that He is with you and will never leave you. And I know He wants to calm your every fear. This morning, as I spent time with Him before the rest of the household was up, I sensed Him asking me to list the fears I have believed; both old and new. I began to confess them and ask Jesus to speak truth over each fear. It was such an intimate precious time in His presence. He reassured me that those are fears... they are not the truth. He reminded me that fear is a liar. He reminded me of His steadfast love and promises and faithfulness. He told me that He would protect my family and provide for me and keep us under His shelter. He is no respecter of persons (meaning He treats all of His followers the same). What He has done for me, He will do for you! It’s as simple as having a visit with Him over coffee!
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. In this world of shifting shadows when you don’t know if you can even trust your neighbor, He reminds us that we can trust Him! He is with you! He is beside you! He is behind you! He never changes. He is always the same. He is filled with love for you. Overwhelming love. And He promises to carry you through these uncertain times! As I close this week, please listen to “The Blessing with Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes”on YouTube. It is my prayer that you will sense His unending, unchanging faithfulness as you walk through this one step at a time. He is for you, dear readers. Rest assured.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
