A Different Facet

Do you ever have those weeks that seem to strategically appear upon the words: "Well, that wasn't as bad as I expected! It's finally over!"? Well, last week was one of those weeks. Finally, shops were opening, our state had entered stage two - everything seemed to be returning to a state of normalcy...and then, reality hit. Or rather, called. On the same night, my aunt was rushed to the ER, and some friends of ours came down with COVID19. That same week, we went to see my cousin, whose school was unable to hold its graduation ceremony. Coronavirus had left its smudged fingerprints everywhere. It was impossible to ignore it. As I stared at myself in my bathroom mirror that night, trying to sort out my clamoring thoughts, questions of "why is this happening?" and "why is there so much pain in the world?" kept echoing in my mind. Now I know this is nothing compared to what so many have lost in this season. These people have suffered so much more, and I can't even imagine how they must be aching right now. But there are moments, where, regardless of the size of your scope of pain, you're going to be weighed down by the brokenness of this world. It's inevitable. Have you felt like this during quarantine? If so, my friend, I pray that you will take courage. Yes, this world is dark.

Yes, this world is broken.

Yes, this world is scary at times.

But God is always far greater! His goodness is higher than evil is deep. And He promises He will always and "in all things... [work] for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) We may not understand at the moment why this is happening, but you can be sure that God is at work. Your fear is no match for the God who sustains the universe in motion. What's more, He invites you to cast your fears and doubts upon him. Why? Because He cares for you. Think about this...the planets in our solar system have circled the sun for thousands of years - and they haven't gone out of orbit. God's kept them there. Our earth continues the water cycle, the oxygen cycle, and the carbon cycle - all cycles that work conjunctly and are necessary for life. Flowers and trees continue to grow and produce the food we need to survive. In the middle of all the death, Life still continues.

God hasn't forgotten us. He's only inviting us to see a different facet of Himself. To see Him as our light in a dark world. To see Him as our wholeness in a broken world. To see Him as our solace in a scary world.

He's inviting us to seek Him in the middle of pain.

And find all we ever needed was always there.