“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1(ESV)
“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:7(NLT)
For five weeks in South Africa, we’re only allowed to go to the groceries or pharmacy and, since May 1, we are allowed to do some exercise from 6-9am within a 5 km radius from your residence. I’m blessed to be hosted by one of my closest friend and his wife in a beautiful spot of Cape Town where I get to see Table Mountain and stunning sunsets of Lion’s Head and a few scenic spots to go for a run nearby.
A few days ago, I went for a 12-km run from the place where I’m staying and I wanted to go to a beautiful spot where I can see the beautiful beach of Camp’s Bay. As I haven’t ran in a while, it’s a bit of an effort and required much endurance to get there. On the way there, it seemed like I would not have made it but knowing how beautiful and rewarding it is to get to that spot I wanted to go gives me much motivation and assurance that it’s all worth it and gonna pay off all the sweat. Part of what I do when I run is to recite and review scriptures that I’ve memorized and so I did that with Hebrews 11:1-12:2 and also 1 Corinthians 13. I realized while I was on my run that in physical training we need discipline and focus but even so more with our spiritual journey. And what really helps to be steadfast and steady is the understanding of the course you’re on and knowing the destination you’re heading towards.
Most of my plans has changed abruptly this year and I was supposed to be on the move for a few months. We are living in an unprecedented time in our world and it is shaking many of our lives as we navigate through this season. Many of what we think as important or ultimate all of a sudden doesn’t matter as much anymore. The world will never be the same again and I believe this is just the start of more shaking to happen so that only the things that cannot be shaken will remain – God and everything that is in Him.
This season require us to have FULL SURRENDER and ABANDONMENT of our control and to let GOD define our steps as we move along. We humans want to control and be independent. This current pandemic shows us of our fragility, vulnerability and limitations. The reality is we are not in control and we are finite. As christians, we know that God is in charge and that He is Sovereign over our lives and from that place we can REST and be CONTENT . We can walk in peace and freedom in the midst of the current situation.
And that REST and CONTENTMENT only come from a place of faith- and the bible mentioned that faith comes by hearing and hearing God’s word. I realized how the world can so influenced us in our perspective. There are many voices and opinions out there, and in as much as we need to be open and hear them, it is dangerous if we are doing it without the filter of God’s Word. We can be easily swayed into the world’s direction and dealings. The world’s wisdom is temporary, incomplete and will never last.
May we find our Hope and Trust only in God and may we remain faithful and steadfast and endure with joy in this challenging times.For, only in God, we have a HOPE that is sure and secure that doesn’t disappoint us. May we allow Him to SPEAK to US in this time as we make it our highest priority to SPEND unhurried time with Him as we SEEK Him earnestly. Let us SURRENDER to Him and, from that place, receive the SATISFACTION that only comes from Knowing JESUS and I know He will also share STRATEGIES to us for the massive harvest that is about to take place that is getting ready in the earth.
One of my mentor who has been a significant figure in my leadership formation shared at a Leadership Encounter I helped organized for the young leaders in our organization few weeks ago. She said that “Maturity and Character is never formed in crisis but it’s exposed in a crisis.” May we continue to allow God to shape and mature us in our faith and character so that we we reflect Him and His heart in a world that is in crisis.
May the LOVE of the Father that is upon us enable us to BEAR all things, BELIEVE all things, HOPE all things and ENDURE all things! Let FAITH arise in each of us and we know that what pleases GOD and He has given us JESUS who is our example in what it means to run this race of life with endurance, so let us fix our eyes on Him and continue to seek His Perspective.