Friday, March 26, 2021

In recent years, we have not experienced any pandemic like the coronavirus, which affected not just our country, but the whole world. The last eleven to twelve months have been indeed a negative or sad situation for all of us. Some people lost their lives, some lost their jobs, some suffered because of a reduction in their income and many businesses experienced a downward trend.
One commentator pointed out that at times like this, God may seem far away, and it is not unusual for us to feel alone and to doubt God’s care for us. But God is never insensitive to our sufferings. Because God is almighty and gracious, we must hold on to Him. This is something we should never forget during this pandemic. He is kind enough to cause some bright spots to happen in our lives during these difficult days.
One bright spot which happened during this pandemic in our life is the increase in connection and fellowship with loved ones here and abroad. During the days before this pandemic, Emeline and I kept in touch with our children via phone; but we saw them in person only a few times each year. When Covid hit, we had to cancel our plans to travel and meet in person, which many of you experienced as well. We started to use FaceTime to ‘see’ them on a more regular basis. We started connecting with extended family and friends almost every week via Zoom.
We have also been blessed to keep in touch with our church small group members via Zoom, enjoying fellowship together and studying God’s word. And, we have been blessed with listening to our church worship service every Sunday from the comfort and safety of our home. Though mostly virtual, it has truly been a bright spot in our lives, having the ability to connect even more with our family and friends.
Let us not forget that God will always be with us and will guide us during these times. He is in control of everything that happens in this world. I encourage you to look for those bright spots given by our gracious Father each and every day.
 
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”                                                                                                                                Deuteronomy 31:8
 
Jeya Chandra