COVID-19 Novel Encouragement Sample

Abide

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5

In all circumstances, abide in Him.

1. Abide in Him to find rest
2. Abide in Him to find joy
3. Abide in Him to find hope

I am a big planner in life. My most exciting times at work are budget and calendar times for the next year, as I just love to organize, strategize, bring structure, and make us ready for the future. Knowing that I’ve done everything I can for the days ahead of me and that I can actually minimize the risk of unexpected events blocking my way brings me a strong internal sense of confidence and security.

Funny enough, that because of the circumstances our beloved country, China, is in right now, I can’t plan even one week ahead. Not only can I not plan, but my daily life also looks completely different from what it used to before January 25th. 

I find myself being stuck in my house by myself 24/7 instead of going to the office daily and attending my church events.

I find myself doing only 500 daily steps on my Fitbit step counter and being very inactive. 

I find myself craving to seeing people’s faces while not being able to go to my friends’ houses to catch up. I admitted to myself (with some shock) that I may be an extrovert!

I find a lot of negative feelings and emotions coming out of my heart and I throw those feelings at people, blaming them for things they had nothing to do with.

I find myself fully human and full of sin.

And if you are still reading up to this point, this might be where you get discouraged and pity me, but the great news is that through all of this discomfort and unexpected change, God is here with me and He is reminding me about how much in any circumstances and in front of any person,  I FIRST should ABIDE in Him.

1. ABIDE IN HIM TO FIND REST.

During the times I was stuck working from home, as much as I was disappointed by being inefficient and not able to do what I usually do for my job, God spoke to me about rest. He asked me a question: was I truly able to rest in Him in the middle of the crisis? He asked me: was I able to give Him my heavy burdens and let Him carry my yoke?

It was a wonderful time of learning for me. I learned how to still work hard, but at the same time give my burdens to God and not let any circumstances or pressure from people (which came up a lot during this time) not to get me to the place of striving, but abiding in Him.

I’ve truly understood what those verses in the Bible mean:

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” Psalm 23:2

1. ABIDE IN HIM TO FIND JOY.

I got upset too many times during the first few weeks of not being able to continue my normal life and having changes to my routine. Not only did I get upset, but people also got upset with me. It was hard. I repeat again, it was hard to find joy. It was hard to find things to be happy about.

It took an adjustment to finally realize that I can’t let those circumstances steal my joy! I have to fight for it! I have to wake up in the morning and get myself ready for the day ahead of me. I have to make everything out of the day God has given me. Just because the Coronavirus is here, God didn’t stop working and moving. He didn’t put my life on pause.

But I have to open my eyes and see His goodness, even in the midst of the Coronavirus. I have to adjust my life and choose joy.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,”  1 Peter 1:8

1. ABIDE IN HIM TO FIND HOPE.

This is our 7th week of living different lives and we do not know when everything will be going back to normal, or even what the “future normal” might look like. I keep feeling the need to have hope. Not hope that based on my own abilities, but hope from God.

I know life after this Coronavirus will look different. Some of my friends might not be able to return to China. My work will be focused on how to respond to the aftermath of the coronavirus. My church will look different in the next few months, but through all of this, we have hope. Hope from God.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

As I am finishing, I want to give you a few words of encouragement. No matter where in the world you are, whatever circumstances you find yourself today – ABIDE IN GOD. Before every man and circumstance, ABIDE in GOD.

PRAYER: Father, I thank you for this opportunity to abide more and on a deeper level in you. I thank you, that every day you give us is perfectly ordained by you and nothing catches you by surprise. I thank you, that during this time, I can become more like you and my life can bring you glory. Please teach me your ways and how to abide in You daily and fully.

By Nastia 娜姐, BICF City Church