Just over a week ago I wrote a special blog about the Coronavirus. Early on we all knew something was coming but were uncertain what it might be or look like. Well, over the past week from that post things have continued to change dramatically. We will continue to see change and will need to adapt accordingly.
I posted the following 5 part thread yesterday morning on Twitter:
I “repurposed” (retired) March 1. Preached first 2 weeks at a church in another city. 2nd week dislocated my shoulder while traveling there and had to go to the ER. They were able to relocate it (that was fun). Now we are “Social Distancing” but I was able to get an appt 1/1
2/2 with an orthopedic for today. So I recorded a message for them yesterday from my home office. Another interesting thing to do. BTW, radio and podcasts are easier. Adding that video has its challenges. Look forward to a good report from the Dr. today. Of course the...
3/3 the gym is closed so I won’t be able to rehab my shoulder using that equipment for a while. Hope the things he suggests can be done here at home to get started. All of this and #COVID19 now that makes a great day.
4/4 so I mention to Elaine, let’s go to the pool, lay out and get some sun. That would be good for us fresh air healthy exposure to the sun with some SPF 30. So then the email comes that the pool is closed. You guessed it for “social distancing”. I never thought going to...
5/5 ...Dr today would cause me to have such great anticipation. So I said let’s make a list of what might need. That way we can stop at probably several different stores to get it. We are committed though not to buy toilet paper and save it for someone who really needs it.
While we are talking about Twitter and you would like to follow me on Twitter please do so on Twitter @elbertnasworthy
Back to what we are talking about today. The bottom line is that for all of us life is different today than even a week ago. It will probably have some other changes in the next few days. However, there are some important things we learn from this time.
1) God is in control
Psalm 46:1“ God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
2) Don't let fear take control
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
3) Be prayerful and give thanks Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
That is what we find in God's Word. His Word is our instruction manual for how to handle life. Even if its life dealing with Covid-19.
Now I want to be clear here that what I am about to say is how I honestly feel. I am not intending to insult or hurt anyone. Because in the United States we are FREE to express our views regardless of how others might feel about those views. I am not trying to be political but rather historically clear.
As Elaine and I were out to pick up somethings for our kitchen I was amazed at what I saw. Now it was not total empty shelves but it was pretty bad considering it was early in the morning and they would have restocked the night before. The only hope for the world is Jesus and if more people don't accept His gift of eternal life then it will definitely get worse. What I saw was only a snapshot of what life is like in places like Venezuela, Cuba and other countries. Socialism does not work and never has worked. That is why people come to the United States from all over the world. They come for the freedom and opportunity for a better life than they left somewhere else.
The United States is a country of immigrants and a place for immigrants to come. We cannot and should not ever accept a socialist direction for America. Freedom will only remain our right if we stand up for it. Freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Let it continue to be said of these United States that we are "one nation under God".
A thought to ponder,
Elbert Nasworthy
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