A friend once told me, opportunities are always disguised as miracles. This enlightened my mind to look at any obstacle, hardship or dark time not as a dooming reality, but as an opportune time to work harder, be better, slow down, refocus, or whatever it is that I have been neglecting. A time to let go of control and lean on God to guide our steps back on the course He set before us. Covid-19 has been one of the biggest reality checks. Reminding us that we are not in control. We often are so enthralled in our own agendas, our own worldly things, even jut ourselves. I choose to look at this time as a miracle in disguise to bring us back to what we need most.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.2 Corinthians 4:18
One thing this virus has done, is bring us back to what matters. It has brought us back to standing next to each-other as a community. It's about doing what is best not just for us, but for others. Back to the essence of human kind. It has stripped so many of possessions, titles, valuables, etc...Unveiling to us that we are all alike at the core. Earthly possessions, status and worldly standards do not define us. When God made us, he made us according to his image. He didn't make one person better than another, he didn't make a certain gender, race, denomination or social status better than another.
We are all facing challenges in ways most of us have never experienced before. COVID-19 has cut through all demographics, ridding people from their worldly affiliations and showing that no one is immune to this. It has affected the rich and famous just as it has affected the impoverished and homeless.
It reminds us to
"not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
The world may feel as though it fails us at times, but we must not forget WHO never fails us, the one who made it.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
(My favorite Bible verse)
Times aren't always hard, they really will get better, but they will also get hard again. Keep the people close who are driven to see adversity as an advantage.
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
If you take anything away from this, I hope that it be Peace.
Peace that you are not alone.
Peace that you are more than how the world defines you.
Peace that your heart is more valuable than your possessions.
Peace that light comes out of darkness.
Peace that God is in control.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Your Girl Next Door and So Much More,
Danika Tramburg