The coronavirus has an incubation period of 14 days. What if we could see into our future and ascertain that we would acquire this virus and our lives would dramatically change in a 14-day time period? What would we would differently? Would we squirrel away our earthly possessions in our garage to make sure there is plenty. Would we focus inwardly on ourselves and worry about the future; or perhaps focus outwardly so that our appearances to others were pleasing? If we were given 14 days before being hit with a possibly fatal virus that would take us here from earth, what would we reflect on as being the most important matters to invest in?
This question is hard, because I have to internalize it, and look at my own life. Am I investing in what really matters here on earth? Do I spend quality time with my children, do I pray for them daily, do I ask God for discernment, direction and guidance? Do I spend daily time with the Lord and pour over the scriptures to obtain direction? Do I look outside my home at the lost and dying people over this entire nation and globe that do not know the Lord. The hard answer is: not nearly enough.
Instead, I look at what is in front of me and become a Martha. Jesus tells a story about two women He was friends with in Luke 10:38-42. Mary wanted to sit at Jesus’ feet and spend time with Him. Martha wanted to serve. She wanted to make dinner, have the house clean, and make sure everyone was satisfied. Martha became upset with her sister Mary because she felt that she was not properly helping to pull her load of work. But Jesus told Martha, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
I have always struggled with this story, because I want to side with Martha. Children must always be bathed, clothes must always be washed, dinners must be cooked, dishes must be put away, crumbs are always on the floor and the list goes on and on. All of these chores must be completed, but if you were given only 14 days on earth what would be most important?
For me this question causes me to shift my focus.
If I was to contract the coronavirus and become deathly ill within a 14-day time period I would want to dive deep into my relationship with God. I would want to spend quality time with my family. I would want to live the most genuine life possible so that others could see God’s love through my actions. I would not want to be known by my children, family and friends as the person who kept a tidy house and looked good. I would want to be known as a person whose fate was sealed by the blood of Jesus with complete assurance.
God has given us a rare gift. He has given us a time period to be still in a normally chaotic and crazy world full of activities and errands. Literally the United States has shut down except for essential workers. What are we doing with this gift of time? Lamentations 3:25-28 states, “The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.” The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble. Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 14:27 tells us, “Peace I leave 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.” Instead of fretting and worrying, watching the news and getting the latest updates through the internet, lets focus on God and the peace He freely provides.
Friends, I challenge you to look at your life and see what is most important. It is estimated that approximately 1 in every 3 people in the United States will contract COVID-19. Will they all be fatal, certainly not. Should would be afraid? God tell us not to fear. Mark 5:36 says, “Do not be afraid, only believe.” But should we consider how we live our lives and what is most important? I would resoundingly answer, “yes.” We are mortals, only given a short time on this earth. We are not promised tomorrow. In the end what is most important? I am challenging myself with this question. What about you?
This question is hard, because I have to internalize it, and look at my own life. Am I investing in what really matters here on earth? Do I spend quality time with my children, do I pray for them daily, do I ask God for discernment, direction and guidance? Do I spend daily time with the Lord and pour over the scriptures to obtain direction? Do I look outside my home at the lost and dying people over this entire nation and globe that do not know the Lord. The hard answer is: not nearly enough.
Instead, I look at what is in front of me and become a Martha. Jesus tells a story about two women He was friends with in Luke 10:38-42. Mary wanted to sit at Jesus’ feet and spend time with Him. Martha wanted to serve. She wanted to make dinner, have the house clean, and make sure everyone was satisfied. Martha became upset with her sister Mary because she felt that she was not properly helping to pull her load of work. But Jesus told Martha, “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
I have always struggled with this story, because I want to side with Martha. Children must always be bathed, clothes must always be washed, dinners must be cooked, dishes must be put away, crumbs are always on the floor and the list goes on and on. All of these chores must be completed, but if you were given only 14 days on earth what would be most important?
For me this question causes me to shift my focus.
If I was to contract the coronavirus and become deathly ill within a 14-day time period I would want to dive deep into my relationship with God. I would want to spend quality time with my family. I would want to live the most genuine life possible so that others could see God’s love through my actions. I would not want to be known by my children, family and friends as the person who kept a tidy house and looked good. I would want to be known as a person whose fate was sealed by the blood of Jesus with complete assurance.
God has given us a rare gift. He has given us a time period to be still in a normally chaotic and crazy world full of activities and errands. Literally the United States has shut down except for essential workers. What are we doing with this gift of time? Lamentations 3:25-28 states, “The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.” The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble. Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 14:27 tells us, “Peace I leave 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.” Instead of fretting and worrying, watching the news and getting the latest updates through the internet, lets focus on God and the peace He freely provides.
Friends, I challenge you to look at your life and see what is most important. It is estimated that approximately 1 in every 3 people in the United States will contract COVID-19. Will they all be fatal, certainly not. Should would be afraid? God tell us not to fear. Mark 5:36 says, “Do not be afraid, only believe.” But should we consider how we live our lives and what is most important? I would resoundingly answer, “yes.” We are mortals, only given a short time on this earth. We are not promised tomorrow. In the end what is most important? I am challenging myself with this question. What about you?
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