We’ve just entered Fall of 2020. Experts have for a long time predicted a “Second Wave” of the Coronavirus. It appears that is upon us. Cases are already going up at local hospitals. It makes us want to cry out: “Enough already Lord!” The truth is, that God brought us through the first round; we can go the second one with the same Divine help.

If we could go back to December 2019 or January 2020, AND we knew what was coming up in March, what would you do? Anything different? What would you do to prepare? The first thing that comes to mind is of course stocking the cupboards with food, maybe get some masks! The fact is, if we did know what is coming, we would operate and prepare differently.

One of the things that we need to remind ourselves of is that the “Second Wave” will not be like the first in that we’ve been through it already. Secondly, we know more than we did the first time. When the Virus hit in the early Spring we were so obsessed with touching things. There was a run on those disinfecting wipes. We now know that it is much more a plague that’s spread through the air. Knowledge is a good and helpful thing.

Our spiritual life is our real, lived life. As we prepare for the next few months and seasons, let us take stock of what we have learned and adjust our living accordingly. What have you learned beyond mere germ warfare this 2020? Is it all merely a matter of protective equipment? As Christians, we believe that God HAS indeed been active in our lives and changing us.

Just think about how far away March seems now. It seems a great distance. If we truly take account of ourselves, we can see that we have indeed changed through the provision of God. Let us remember St Paul’s words towards the end of Philippians 4:

“I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (vs. 12 & 13)

Pastor Ed Barnett