Eventually, this pandemic will be over. And we’ll all be back to our normal, busy lives: commuting back and forth to school or work, maybe driving the kids to sports practices and games, paying bills, doing laundry, taking care of the family, connecting with our spouse, fitting in some type of entertainment for sanity, and then falling into bed at night, exhausted by the demands of the day. How will we look back on “the quarantine days”? With relief? Glad that’s over. Or with regret? What did I do with all that extra time?... Time is a precious and limited commodity. And none of us knows how much or how little we will have – until it runs out.
“The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more (Psalm 103:15-16).” That’s why God’s Word urges us: to number our days: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” to live wisely and make the most of every opportunity: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).” to especially make the most of every opportunity with “outsiders”: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity (Colossians 4:5).” to not wait for another season, but to open our eyes to the harvest in front of us: “Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together (John 4:35-36).” to not be lazy and sleep through the harvest: “He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son (Proverbs 10:5).” to quickly carry out our assignments from God while we still have time: “We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work (John 9:4, NLT).” How will you look back on “the quarantine days”? With satisfaction or regret? Will Jesus smile when he thinks of all the ways you made the most of this opportunity? Or will he shake his head and wonder if you really mean what you pray for? I’m so inspired by two sisters who are making the most of this opportunity – and lovin’ it! Check out these two encouraging emails I received recently (shared with permission): One sister writes: I posted a note on Facebook saying that anyone who needs someone to pray with or just to talk to, please reach out to me. On the same day, a former disciple of the church in Honduras sent me a message letting me know that she is interested in me sharing the Bible studies that she once received. …I am studying a Christian book with four of my coworkers via Zoom. We shared scriptures and prayed this past Saturday. …This morning, I prayed with my neighbor through the phone. …I had a FaceTime conversation with a disciple from Salvador on Tuesday afternoon and we prayed together. …Technology can be wonderful! And another sister writes: I have been encouraging my group to pray and share the gospel. …We studied yesterday with (someone) and will continue to study with her through FaceTime. …Everybody has been actively calling each other to encourage each other. …My brother from New Jersey and I have been studying the Bible with my uncle in Colombia almost every day. In Colombia, they have been in quarantine and only at certain times people can come out. It has been so encouraging. …I have been studying the Scriptures with (another person) too. …God is definitely working. You go, sisters! Thank you for inspiring the rest of us! Now it’s our turn, church. Let’s make the most of these quarantine days! Don’t let the virus get you down – spread viral love instead!
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