The Goodness of God in This Pandemic
/It has been awhile! My typical time of writing has been on Sunday evenings when my big guys are at youth group and my little dude is having daddy time. Due to this unique time, my guys haven’t been attending youth group, so this lady has not been writing.
For everything there is a season.
If I were sitting across from you right now, I would begin by telling you a funny story. (I seem to not be able to chat with people without usually slipping something humorous into the conversation!) I would share about the amusing side of pandemic living - adventures of an introverted wife living with a SUPER extroverted husband, loving 3 boys through not-much friend time, schooling a son who has ants in his pants - the list could go on and on.
Then, I would share about how this has been one of my most intense seasons.
The pandemic came on the coattails of an intense season of my husband’s ordination studying, testing, and church planting, among others events. I was trying to get my head on straight and then came COVID-19. Since we are a family who homeschools, I am part of various homeschooling online groups. I saw people post that the pandemic hasn’t bothered them much; therefore, their homeschool has not been affected. This was FAR from the truth in our home.
During the pandemic, our family has experienced highs and lows.
Church planting in the midst of unprecedented times. Family experiencing trials & health situations (no COVID gratefully!) Busy business for mama. Unexpected trip during riots. Beginning of mentoring curriculum. Numerous friends going through struggles. Cancellations of MANY events/trips/classes/co-op/lessons. Times of anxiety & depression. Moments of glorious hope. Tons of time in the kitchen.
But as I look back, I can confidently say that I have seen the goodness of God. It is SO easy to lose sight of God’s beautiful truth when we walk through the fire. Seeing the goodness of God means discerning or looking upon the beauty or good things of God. I can see the “why’s” of some of our circumstances. The why is not promised from the Lord, but when you are able to see that, what a favor it is!
Our family needed a refresh button to pressed. And as heartbreaking as this has been for many families, it has caused us to stop and look even more intently at our life. I do not want to go back to the “old normal.” I want our lives to have more margin in order to have a healthy rhythm of rest and work, but also, to be available to love our neighbors and simply be still before the Lord. Fancy that!
This pandemic time has also freed us to begin our Sonship Mentoring with a humble, God-fearing couple. God is showing me how the gospel actually impacts ALL of life. Our Redeemer cares about our speech and wants the truth of what Jesus did to flood our speech. Also, the way I interact with others points me to the truth that I so desperately need a Savior to show me my worth and identity.
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of LORD in the land of the living!”
Psalms 27.13
Thank the Lord that HE is graciously showing me His goodness. Each moment of seeing His goodness is a gift of grace. Friend, may our Lord show you His goodness as you are walking this 2020 journey.
Right after verse 13, David tells us to, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”
Friend, if you are walking through challenging OR peaceful times, may these verses encourage you. May we wait for our Lord, be strong in Him, and take courage. The goodness of the Lord might not be seen right away. But may we live with the hope that we shall see the goodness of our Lord and ultimately, see HIm face to face.
The song Behold the Throne of God Above is such a gift to us through this time. The lyrics remind us that, “My name is graven on His hands, my name is written on His heart, I know that while in Heaven He stands, no tongue can bid me thence depart.” Ya’ll, we have a Savior that knows us, cares for us, and loves us with a love that we can only comprehend by His strength. These times have NOT caught our God by surprise. We can trust Him - our good God - that He will hold us together, keep us safely in His arms, and lavish us with much grace.
Have a wonderful week, friends. May these amazing truths encourage your heart!
By His Grace ~ leigh anne
