The content of my weekly blogs is drawn primarily from ancient Hebrew wisdom literature, while the 2020 format was inspired by James Clear’s “3-2-1” Thursdays. Building from my recent book UNBEATABLE! Seven Pillars of Personal Excellence, each week you will receive One Pillar/Proverb, One Principle and One Practical.
One Proverb
“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.”-Proverbs 3:5-6 (Easy-to-Read Version).
One Principle
Giving up control is often a hard thing to do, especially for us adults. Depending on our life situation, we may be the ones to have the final say or, at least, we may have a meaningful contribution to make in the decision-making process. Therefore, when a pandemic like the coronavirus hits us on a global scale as it has, it places day-to-day living in perspective. We humans are not in control. We must therefore trust the One who is sovereign.
Admittedly, it is tempting to spiritualize or overanalyze scenarios like a worldwide disease and perhaps, various religious and moral philosophies are being advocated at this time. Whatever your paradigm might be, we can all agree that times like this call for prudence and patience. We must be prudent enough to follow the wise guidelines of the medical experts and leaders who are guiding us, and we must be patient enough to see the process through to completion, however inconvenient it may be in the short term.
One Practical
Use this time when the world has been forced to slow down to ponder on life’s bigger picture. Recommit yourself to walking closely with God and with the people in your life that really matter.
To learn more about these pillars of personal excellence, read UNBEATABLE! which is now available on Amazon in print and as an e-book.
This Post Has 8 Comments
Today’s message is so timely Tyrone; it provides a wonderful reminder about God’s sovereignty and the fact that we really have no control (though we’d like to think we do).
I am part of a fellowship that took the decision to suspend all gatherings until further notice, but we’ll connect through technology. Though I wholeheartedly agree with the mandate, my initial reaction was sadness, as I thought about not physically being in the same space with my spiritual family for an uncertain period of time. That led me to give further thought to the persons in my group who are not tech-savvy, and what it would take to ensure they feel connected – not just for online services, but overall. It highlighted that outside of weekly services, some of them may be on or near the fringe.
I love that through this prudent “isolation time”, God is directing us to not only use His inspired technology for the common good, but to be deliberate and systematic in ensuring EVERYONE is indeed pulled in. It’s an upward call to love more; to go out of my/our way to tangibly meet others’ needs (especially the elderly and more susceptible). As you said Tyrone, now is a great opportunity to focus on deepening our relationship with God and others.
(Felt like I just wrote my own blog there )
No worries Brenda. Your heartfelt words and thoughts are very welcome. Thanks for the practical recommendations about how we can look out for those who are more vulnerable at this time. What looks like an obstacle may very well be an opportunity. Thank you.
One thing this whole situation shows me is how fear of the unknown and cripple us. I agree with you Tyrone that people or scared, but I see it as a test of faith. Just like our christian walk we have to be different in how we behave because we are not afraid of the unknown because we trust in the one that can do so much. So yes be wise but also be confident in our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
Thank you Shawn for your reminder of our need to have confidence in God’s omnipotence even in the midst of uncertainty.
Thank you Tyrone. The reminder of God is the one in control is so clear and He is bigger than Covid-19 as well. He is capable of halting the spread at the snap of his fingers and He can chose not to. It is also his way of teaching the lessons that we are forced to learn whether we choose to learn them or not. Slowing down and changing the way we do things for such a time as this is challenging on many fronts but needed.
Thank you, Tyrone! Very timely. It is indeed an upward call, an outward call and an inward call. A great opportunity to refocus our energies on God, each other, the lost and self as we navigate these next few days, weeks and months. God does move in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform!!
Well said Dave. In the midst of these challenging times, there is a door open for service, self-reflection and devotion to key relationships. Let’s continue to pray for each other and the wider global community.
Thank you Michelle. This is a sobering time but also an opportune time to do good to others while we exercise wisdom in protecting ourselves.