The coronavirus pandemic clogs all of our news outlets and consumes our thoughts. The grocery store limits the number of people who can shop at one time. I’m wearing a mask in public and hand sanitizer is like gold. Signs of the coronavirus are everywhere I turn.
As a pastor, COVID-19 has affected nearly everything I do, which includes the ways I minister. However, not everything about these days has to be negative.
My family has decided to make it our goal to grow stronger mentally, spiritually, and physically during these times. I encourage you to adopt the same theme during the weeks ahead.
Consider strengthening yourself in the following ways:
1. GROW STRONGER IN YOUR BIBLE INTAKE.
I know, homeschooling is a ton of work on many of you. The schedules and routines of life are out of whack and there are too many zoom calls. But, in many ways, there are fewer interruptions today than there were two months ago. Spend extra time reading your Bible to grow stronger in Bible intake.
2. GROW STRONGER IN YOUR FAMILY COMMITMENT.
Because everything has shut down, my family has extra time to spend together. We miss baseball games and dance recitals, but we’re gaining extra time to ride bikes, take walks, and read books together. Don’t miss the privilege this crisis gives you to spend extra time with your family. Read books, play board games, watch movies, make ice-cream on the porch. You may never have this opportunity again.
3. GROW STRONGER IN YOUR PRAYER LIFE.
Crises have a way of reminding us of the need to pray. Spend extra time in prayer during these days as you cry to the Lord to heal your church members and deliver our world from this pandemic. Pray for the Lord to use this time of struggle to revive his church and awaken our world to their need for a Savior. Pray that the church of Jesus may emerge from this shutdown stronger than it went into it.
4. GROW STRONGER IN YOUR MINISTRY AND SERVICE.
As a result of so many live-streamed services and pre-recorded Bible studies, I’m gravely aware of just how many times I say “umm” during my sermons. It’s embarrassing. Still, I’m confident my preaching is going to improve because I’m having to watch myself preach multiple times per week. Your personal ministry is closely tied with the rhythms of church attendance. Find ways you can strengthen your ministry now, and when you get to gather with your church family again, you will be even stronger as a teacher, deacon, leader, friend, and servant within your church body.
5. GROW STRONGER MENTALLY.
What are you learning? Read a good book or two. Make something. Learn a new hobby. One of my sons is learning to make his own fishing lures. Our kids are learning how to cook new things. Learn something new. Be better on the backside of this pause.
6. GROW STRONGER PHYSICALLY.
I’ve committed to coming out of this time of shutdown in better physical condition than I went into it. This takes effort because we’re cooking lots of good food in our house these days, but we also have time to go for walks and runs. We have even put together a garage gym for lifting weights and indoor exercise. Everyone’s deadlift is increasing, and that is a good thing!
Coronavirus is going to change all of us in many different ways. You can make sure some of the changes in your own life are positive.
Much about this time of distancing is hard, and much about these days is scary. But, you don’t have to give up. Make time to get stronger. You won’t regret it.
Excellent!!