My Ground-Zero
Over the last two weeks I have made this comment: “I do not personally know anyone who has officially been diagnosed with COVID-19 or anyone who knows someone who has been officially diagnosed.” I can no longer say that.
Last night, I received a text from a close friend who told me someone in his extended family has been hospitalized and officially diagnosed. As I processed the information and said a pray for my friend’s cousin, it dawned on me: This is ground-zero in my life for the Coronavirus. I have no idea how many people in my personal world will contract the illness or be the family or friend of someone who gets infected.
Until I received that text, Coronavirus, the actual illness, had not really touched my world. I mean, I have been dealing with the social distancing challenges we all have had to embrace, but the illness itself still felt far away. Last night, I realized it is creeping closer. The shadow of the virus is now going to cast itself over my friends, church, co-workers, neighbors, and family. It was a sobering thought.
Anytime I experience anxiety over circumstances I cannot control, I can find hope and peace in God’s word. Today is no different. As I humbled myself before the Lord this morning, I came across these wonderful words:
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity,…or threatened with death?…No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us…I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life,…neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love…indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)
Chances are good that someone in your personal circle is going to contract COVID-19. You may even have to endure the illness yourself. Whatever the case, I want you to know Christ’s love for you will meet you there. Nothing can separate us from Christ’s love…NOTHING!…that includes Coronavirus.
Christ’s love will not turn your heart into emotional teflon keeping you from feeling sorrow, frustration, confusion or fear. Instead, his love will infuse your heart with the courage and compassion needed to face those nasty feelings.
His love will not always give you the perfect words to say to some hurting soul or provide a forcefield that will make you physically immune. Instead, his love will give you the capacity to care without using words and the resolve to serve others in spite of the medical risk.
Christ’s love is practical and it will help you practically. It will meet you where you are with what you need, touch places in your heart that only God can reach, and give you the bandwidth to love others even when facing your own doubts.
He is faithful! You will see.
Here is a song I’ve found encouraging. May it encourage you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2IvHbXZp-I
3hats1life.com 
So true. Starting to hear of more cases hitting close to home. Thank you for the words of wisdom
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