Monday

Discernment in Coronavirus

In my early walk with the Lord, discernment was a weakness of mine. It seemed an entire lifetime had already passed. A new era had dawned, and I was eager to live it right. Trouble was the baggage from my former life. And no one had shared how to get rid of it. Old habits had to be overhauled into Christ-like habits...and what was the best way to go about this?

Random thoughts flittered across my mind, trapping me in befuddlement. I’d have to find a way to keep a sense of continuity. I coached myself by thinking, “Only a distraction...Focus on what the Lord has for you.”

Phone calls were the worst. With no answering machine or cell phone, I felt compelled to answer the phone. It might be my Mom who was out of state, or it could be my husband with an important question, I thought. Only to find out, it was someone wanting to gossip about the newest neighbor down the street.

I bemoaned the fact that my “new life in Christ” was turning out to be just like my old life. “I don’t want things to be this way, Lord. I want to live for you! Help me to hear Your voice,” I prayed one day.

Things continued until one day when the kids played in their little outdoor pool. Setting it up in a hurry, I heard a wee, small whisper, urging me to be careful of the items I placed in the pool. Checking each toy out quickly, I placed both children in the pool. It wasn’t long before one of the children had a boo-boo. How did that happen? I wondered, soothing my child with a clean band-aid on her knee, a popsicle in one hand and a new Minnie Mouse band- aid on her knee.

When I looked back on what had happened that day, I recalled the Holy Spirit’s whispers for safety...but I missed it. You can imagine how disheartened I was upon this realization! I had been out of touch with God’s direction. I prayed for forgiveness and told the Lord I could see how I missed His prodding. Then I prayed for the gift of discernment to know His voice.

Have you ever had a moment like that? Something happened to make you realize those little tugs were the Hand of God trying to spare you from some fiasco.

Months prior to Coronavirus, I had one of those little tugs. It was brought on, in part, to the feelings of unrest in our nation. But it was also something God was conveying to me. Praying for discernment, I asked the Lord to remove the somber thoughts if they were not of Him. It was as if the Lord were preparing me for something that was going to happen at an uncharted time--something over which I would have no control...and no ability to change.

But over time the same thoughts persisted. So, I prayed, “Lord, what would you have me to do about these thoughts?” I felt the Lord saying, “Fear not. Trust in Me and wait on Me.” Then I wrote something in my journal; my question was resolved and put to rest.

In March of this year, when the Coronavirus was in full force, I thumbed back through my journal. Such an odd feeling overtook me as I read an entry dated, February 1, 2020: “I continue thinking there’s going to be an interruption.” Just one sentence. But it seemed a pertinent thought prior to 2020. Quite so. By that time, each person, apart from front line workers, was in stay-at-home mode. It was a stunning moment for me.

The Lord God had, indeed, answered my prayer for discernment. I was filled with rejoicing! Yet, His message of hope had prepared me for one of the worst pandemics in history. Although I didn’t know what was coming...or when, He had prepared me for this critical situation. As a result, I felt only peace. Gratefulness washed over me.

“Now, I thought, “time to roll up my sleeves and pray for the health of our nation.”

Lord God, Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, who gives us the wisdom and discernment necessary to walk this place called home. Thank You for Your provisions in confusion and turmoil. Be with those in need of Your mercy, grace, and healing. Lead us onward to our Heavenly Home, which You are preparing even now for us.

In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.

By Jan O’Neal