Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

All day, everyday, our thoughts are on this pandemic and the ways it has changed and restricted our lives. While we try not to panic, there is a mist of fear floating above our heads. We fear getting sick, losing our jobs, our income, our homes, losing touch with friends and loved ones, and ultimately, we fear dying.

None of our fears is new or unique. Many people worry about some of these all the time, many have already experienced most of these catastrophes through the years, and we will all die someday.

What is unique here is that we are all in the same boat at the same time.

Suddenly, we are forced to face situations we always thought would only happen to others. We are compelled through circumstances against our will to experience what many others deal with every day.

Is there a lesson here?

With the announcement this week of plans to restore our economy and freedoms, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It is my prayer that once things are “back to normal” we will not lose the feelings of connectedness and compassion our crisis developed in so many of us