This period of time has been a period of progressive unknowns. Personally, as a (very) pregnant frontline healthcare worker (nurse practitioner for oncology patients), this pandemic has been life-altering and has rocked “my plan” for how these past few months would go. As for me, I wanted to continue working in the clinic Monday - Friday while continuing to work on an additional project. Additionally, I wanted to have Bob and my sister present at the birth. However, none of those things are a possibility at this time. My job has completely transferred to telemedicine, my patients are being triaged by importance. I of course want to be there in the frontlines, helping those in need—especially my cancer patients. Additionally, in a time of so much joy with our new baby coming, I’ve been met with a choice to succumb to anxiety over my circumstances or to turn to our loving Father. Shelter-in-place means no baby classes, no grandparents coming over, and no certainty about whether my situation will go any bit according to plan. The truth is, no matter our circumstances, we ALL have this choice.
I think about how Moses led the Israelites through their time in the desert, which is sort of a honeymoon with God. They were exiled from slavery in Egypt where they were treated poorly. However, when times were difficult and unknown, they had many chances to remember God’s goodness and faithfulness. I used to get annoyed by their choices, but as I’ve gotten further along in the faith, I realize that they are incredibly relatable. When we romanticize the past, we can often want to turn back to what God has brought us through (Exodus 14:11-12; 16:1-3). But God has something so much better ahead of us. He desires to walk with us through the unknown and guide us to new righteousness. Did God want the coronavirus? Certainly not. Is he more powerful than the coronavirus? Certainly so. I realize I have a choice: Cling to God when I am scared of the future or romanticize what the past was like and be stuck in discontentment.
Further reading: Exodus 19-34 (God speaks to Moses and gives him the instruction, then the Israelites out of fear start making cast idols), Exodus 24: 6-7 (my favorite way to describe God)
Practicals: Find a new Bible study where you can examine whole chunks of God’s word, scripture memorization, praying the Word, calling each other.