We’re going to be alright. 

I’m sure some, if not many, of you have heard this or some phrase like this recently. It’s going to be ok. We’ll be fine. But how? Why is this the case? Because there are a lot of people who aren’t ok right now. From those are personally fighting or know someone who is fighting COVID-19, to those who don’t have a job right now, to those who are stuck inside in the midst of a toxic family situation, many people are being negatively impacted by the pandemic.

Now some of you may be thinking, “This blog post is depressing.” Hang on. I promise it’ll get better. 🙂 I just wanted to acknowledge some of the present, harsh realities, and the fact that it’s ok to be frustrated. It’s ok to be sad about post-poned or canceled proms, gradations, performances, games, etc. Weddings and birthday parties aren’t able to happen as planned, and that’s really frustrating, as well. But, we have a reason for hope and a source of comfort during this rough season. And His name is Jesus.

The One who became human, came to Earth and endured pain and hardships himself knows how we feel. He empathizes with us. As many people around the world celebrated on Easter two weeks ago today, Jesus came to Earth to bring humanity back to their Creator, so we could have joy and peace. I know that doesn’t erase the pain that can be brought on when we experience loss, but I’d like to encourage you with this: The pain we experience in our lives isn’t permanent. As one of my favorite theologians (my dad 😊) likes to say, there is a comma, so to speak, not a period after our suffering. Our pain doesn’t have the final word. And, we can find encouragement in God’s Word for times like these. Below are a few verses that I find comfort in:

• Romans 15:13—“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 
• John 16:33—“‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.'” 
• 2 Corinthians 1:3—“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 

When we turn to the One who created the world, He helps us deal with the things that take place in this world. But the One who cares for us more than we can even imagine has a plan for all of our lives. Many people have already begun to see that’s God plan for them this spring included rest, saving money by not eating out, and having more time with their families. And I pray that God will show you that blessings can come out of the different disruptions and changes that you have experienced recently.

May we all lean in even closer to the One who is certain in the midst of all the uncertainty; the One who is unchanging even when everything else seems to be. He loves you so unbelievably much. May we all remember this, now more than ever before.