God Hasn't Been Quarantined

Don't do nothing just because you can’t do everything. -- Bob Pierce

We may feel like we are at a standstill. In a way, we are. But God is not at a standstill. A standstill is a situation or condition in which there is no movement or activity at all.

Is it Monday, is it Friday? Not sure? You are in quarantine.

Where are you quarantining? Are you at home, with relatives, or somewhere else? Wherever you were on March 13, you can relate to the beginning of a season of a loss of control.In the season of trying to stay safe and protected, we could feel like we are not doing anything, we may feel like we are not moving forward. But guess what? God is still working in our lives, even when we think nothing is happening.

We are all alone in this together.

What can we really do in the midst of this crazy time?

We can choose to actively love others. Wait a minute! There may be no one around us to actually show love to!

Those who are hardest to love need it the most. — Socrates

We are reminded in 1 Corinthians the apostle Pauls’s definition of love:

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

For the people closest to us, we can show patience, forgiveness, and encouragement. We can make a call and say hello, we can ask our neighbor how they are doing.

What are some ways we can show love to others during a time of crisis? Consider that your actions are helping love others into a relationship with Jesus.

• Try to make someone’s life better today. It might not be something that others will notice, but God notices everything you do. I often pick up trash along my walk with my dog, Olive.I do it safely, and I know I leave the area looking a lot better.

• God is up to something with people, whether we can see that or not. We need to have patience with everyone we connect with.

Ideas for Outreach During Crisis

Notes of love and appreciation to neighbors

• A gift of a word of encouragement can mean a lot.

Crazy Times Survival Kit

• Travel-sized tissues
• Lip balm
• 1 oz. size sanitizing lotion

Give Gift Cards to Local Eateries

Share Homemade Cookies with Your Neighbors

Prayer Walk in Your Neighborhood

• Pray for peace, favor and for people to know that God hasn’t forgotten them. God will give you ideas for showing love in practical, safe ways.

Invite people to safe family events, movie nights, and outdoor worship services at Granite Creek.

God comes near when we live as pipelines of His kindness. Not only do those we reach out to in practical ways change, but also we are changed as we shift our focus onto others.

By Pastor Janie Sjogren