Are there opportunities arising from this pandemic?
Two months ago, none of us would have thought that our lives would be radically different today. Now, we are overwhelmed by the realities of schools closing, self-quarantine, losing loved ones, food shortages, job losses, businesses declining, mass histeria, shortages of medical supplies and the list goes on.
We don’t know if we will get the virus; if we will die; or if we will lose our loved ones. We pray and hope, but ultimately our lives and destinies rest in the hands of the Almighty God.
BE THE RIGHT WOMAN FOR THE RIGHT MAN!
Ever feel like you don’t know what a godly man is looking for in a wife? Our Irresistible Godly Woman Checklist will give you clear insights so you can stop guessing and start preparing … while reaching your full potential as a single Christian woman.
However, good can come out of this pandemic. Therefore, let us life our lives with purpose and allow the love of God to flow through us to others.
Here are 7 great opportunities from COVID-19 pandemic:
1) Show love.
Category 1: Those who are very ill with the virus.
In the early church, the Christians were the ones to care for the sick when they were rejected by others. Unless you’re in the medical fraternity, you may not have the opportunity to directly care for the severely ill, but you can serve in other ways.
Take time everyday to pray for those who are fighting for their lives and lend support to their families by reaching out and helping to meet a need.
Category 2: Those who are not seriously ill, but are in self-quarantine.
It is certainly not wise (or loving) to be near someone who has the virus, but you can show support and care by finding out what are his/her needs. When someone is ill, he/she might need prayer, medication and a good pot of soup. You can be the person who can be God’s hands and feet during this time.
But if you are dropping off items, maintain the distance and follow all precautions (and the law). This is not a time for socializing!
Category 3: The elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
For the sake of God’s love, intentionally avoid crowds and any social/fellowship activities at this time. Even if you’re healthy and you believe that God will preserve your life, it will be irresponsible and unloving if you were to be the one through whom the virus spreads, especially to our beloved elderly and to people who already have health challenges.
A pandemic is a great opportunity for the Body of Christ to show our love to the world.
2) Forgive and reconcile.
A family member, friend or peer might have severely hurt you. This is a good time to forgive them… for your benefit and for theirs. Did you know that forgiveness is good for your mind, soul and body? Right now, you need to be as healthy as possible to deal with this pandemic!
It would indeed be sad if they were to die (or you) and you didn’t have time to make peace.
3) Share with others.
I saw a video circulating on social media with a man showing his stock of food items and supplies …. obviously proud of his treasure. With the number of items in his house, he can very well open a mini supermarket. As a result of this type of panic buying and hoarding, there would be countless people who have been left without.
As a people of God, we should be the ones to share during this pandemic. Let us trust God to stretch and multiply what we have. The same God who multiplied the fishes and bread in two accounts (Mark 8:1-9 & Luke 9:10-17) is alive and can do it again and again. As a matter of fact, His abilities to provide will never be impaired by a pandemic or a world recession. He is our great provider.
‘In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”’ Acts 20:35 ESV
4) Focus on what is eternally important.
When you come to the end of your life, what do you think will matter the most to you? You’d probably say your key relationships … with God and your loved ones.
Relationship with God.
Stressful times like these can draw us closer to God which is eternally beneficial. Take this great opportunity to spend more time nurturing your relationship with God. Allow Him to fill your heart and mind with His peace. Experience the joy that only He can bring.
Relationships with family and close friends.
Take this time to nurture your relationship with your loved ones. Reach out to family members with whom you have not spoken for months and years. This is a good time to try to mend a struggling relationship.
5) Share the good news with non-Christians using virtual methods.
When death is in the “air”, most people panic because they are unprepared for death. As true followers of Jesus, we need to give to non-Christians the hope that we have in Jesus.
It is very comforting to know that I will be with Jesus even if I die from the virus (or any other death). If you have already sincerely repented of your sins and placed your trust in Jesus Christ to save you, then you have the same hope.
As such, we should not be in panic like the rest of the world, but share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ which promises eternity for those who put their trust in our Savior.
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 ESV
‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”’ Romans 1:16-17 ESV
If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior and you want to know more about this, email me at kimberly@petalsbloom.com. I’ll be happy to share with you.
6) Retrain yourself.
For most of you, you will have more leisure time these days. As a consequence, it is very tempting to spend all your free time watching every update of the virus on social media and news broadcasts. Albeit, you need to be informed, but too much becomes overkill and an obsession.
Or you might choose to spend your time binging on movies, videos and series on Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime or some other entertainment medium. Resist that temptation!
This pandemic will change our immediate future. Here are are likely outcomes:
- Job losses due to businesses’ inability to pay workers or the closing of companies.
- Since many companies have been “forced” to operate remotely, certain jobs may become redundant when companies realize that they need less workers due to technological advancements.
Depending on your job, you may need new skills to remain marketable.
As a precautionary measure, use your time wisely to develop new skills or enhance the ones you currently possess.
Also, explore other ways of having another income stream like writing a book; starting a blog or vlog to share a skill or knowledge; or teach a course on online platforms like Teachable and Udemy. Do some research because there are numerous ways that you can explore.
7) Grow your own food.
This is a good time to start a little kitchen or backyard garden. Regardless of your available space, you can gain some level of food independence. If your friends and family members also start one, you can barter just like in the good old days.
No one knows what the future may bring, but it is better to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Besides, you can never go wrong with growing your own food. Undoubtedly, you will always need food to eat.
Related articles:
10 Easy Tips to Start Journaling today
Ladies, God is still alive and well, even in the midst of a pandemic. You need not worry about death, starvation or job losses. He is quite able to take care of you. Allow Him the opportunity to show You how good and great He is.
Even if death should come, let us have the mindset like Paul in Philippians 1:21-24 (see below).
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” Philippians 1:21-24 ESV
What blessings can you see from this COVID-19 pandemic? In what ways can you show kindness to others? Comment below and share with all the readers.
If you would like help in developing your relationships with God and with others, subscribe and you will receive weekly email tips.
With all the panic in the air, learning to memorize and meditate on God’s Word will help to keep you calm; help Your faith in God to grow; and empower you to live a victorious Christian life. It will transform your life! When you subscribe, you will also receive “How to Memorize an Entire Book of the Bible” guide.
Additionally, click reply and let me know who you are and in what ways I can help you grow as a single woman. I’d be only happy to help you as others have helped me. Thanks for stopping by!
#madetolove
Like, share & subscribe!
With love,
Kimberly Garth
Recommended books:
“When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight For Joy” by John Piper
“You are Free: Be Who You Already Are” by Rebekah Lyons
“Petals Bloom is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.”
Truly all is not doom and gloom because of the challenge of Covid-19. God has placed us in the earth just as Esther, for such a time as this. Thanks for the reminder that our God is bigger and we can partner with Him to come out of this better and stronger!
Thank you for your feedback, Maurisa! It saddens me that so many are dying from it, but I pray that we can be a blessing to the world.
Thank you for sharing. Covid-19 is an opportunity for people to get closer to the all-powerful Saviour. Indeed, it’s a world crisis but our God remains on the throne. He promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
I’m trying to pray daily for the persons affected and the families who are grieving the loss of loved ones.
As a frontline worker, I can only take all the necessary precautions and let God do the rest.
Be safe everyone. Handwashing is the key.
Thank you, Saska for reminding us to pray for grieving loved ones. We also pray for your protection and other frontline workers. You are important to us all:)