When You Feel Like You Can’t Go On, Keep Going!
If we observe the progression of the SARS-CoV2 virus that brings about Coronavirus Disease 2019, from it’s endemic rise to a pandemic, there is much to learn, not fear.
Some see this as the wrath and punishment of an angry God. For others, this seems like a prelude to the apocalypse. Many are fearful. They wonder if this is an omen of worse things to come. Around the globe, from kings to peasants, politicians to medical experts, faithful or faithless, men’s hearts are failing them due to fear.
Presidents, prime ministers and politicians call this a war against an unseen enemy. Nations’ economies took a tumble, giving rise to real concerns that even if the spread of the virus can be checked, what comes next may floor even the best and most resilient.
We won’t downplay this pandemic. It’s devastating at every level — physically, economically, socially and more. But just momentarily, let’s reflect on the street beggars who find shelter on street corners and live off bins and dumpsters. The only stocks they know are what they have on their backs. The only markets they know are the ones they rummage through for crumbs. And the only properties they have are the cardboard boxes they put together for shelter. You never hear these men, women and children go to sleep at night paralyzed by fear of a possible stock market crash or terror stricken at the thought of the ravages of a disease. Why?
They have nothing to fear because as it is, they have nothing to lose. If the stock market crashes tomorrow, it does not affect them. If a disease comes around, it does seem as though they have disregarded basic hygiene since they scrounge for food in dumpsters. Even if their lives are imperiled, they seem oblivious. It does not mean they are bereft of self-worth and dignity. It simply means that when life has taken almost everything from them, except life itself, they have nothing more to lose.
Jesus once said, “Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothe the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you” (Luke 12:24-31).
Is life, as we know it, going to end with this pandemic? Are we fearful that after this devastation, we will not be able to live with less? Maybe this is a wake-up call. Maybe this will challenge us to assess our lives, our priorities, and our direction. Life can feel so empty, meaningless and confusing when we don’t know who we are, why we are here and where we are going. We go from one cycle of fear to the next, causing many to lose heart, while others lose their minds.
Are you distressed friend? Remember the beggar? He shamelessly begs so he can eat to live another day. He values life! You are much better off than he is. So when you feel like you can’t go on, keep going! If you feel life is dealing you a bad hand because of poor choices made over the course of your life, or due to circumstances (like this pandemic), or choices made by others, stop and recalibrate! The good news is things can change, if you change — your mind-set, habits, priorities, friends, etc. Consider faith, hope and love.
Begin that change today. Take a course and check out our resource page. You will find e-books and pamphlets that may get you started on your journey to change. If you wish to communicate with us, click “contact us.” Discover hope, not fear!
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