Peace in the Storms; Courage in Crises

Having to love and support family from afar is never so difficult as when our loved ones are caught up in a time of crises. It is the intensity of such times that they and their families back home are all called upon to perform acts of courage they really did not think they were capable of.

For how does one sort through the myriad of decisions that requires a sound mind to guide one’s family safely through risky and at times even dangerous situations? And for those back home holding their breath as they wait for assurances their loved ones are safe? How do they keep from worrying themselves sick?

I mentioned previously that situations like these bring forth courage. But how does one put aside the fear, worry, and stress long enough to take on courageous? The reality is that in the face of such challenges the temptation to give into the fear, etc. is stronger than we realize.

Personally, I discovered the only way I could reject fear and worry was to tune my hearing to only one voice. When I did the peace that passes all understanding calmed my heart and ruled over my fear. That kind of peace is only accessible from God.

How, can one avoid being overcome with fear and worry during such turmoil? But if I have discovered anything in sending my children off to answer God’s call upon their lives is this. “When we answer God’s bidding to follow Him, He equips us to carry out His plan. And as God called them to go, He just as surely called me to let them go.” And though it is hard, it is doable!

So when His calling places us in difficult and even dangerous situations we have the confidence that He is in control. That He will never leave us or forsake us. That we can have peace in the midst of the storm. And for me, that the safest place on earth for my children is in the center of His will.

But this assurance isn’t just for those who are in full time service to God. It’s for any of us who have Christ as our Savior. It’s not an easy life we should pray for. We should pray for a life that knows how to turn to God and seek His purpose for the crises we find ourselves in. That is true for any Christian; not just those on the foreign field.

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God is Sovereign and in control-even in the unexpected!

     Never would I have expected what has transpired in my family’s life recently. All brought on as the world stage was rearranged to set up for the coronavirus. Usually, events in my son and his family’s life are unique to where ever they are located, as are ours. But this global pandemic created scenes where location became irrelevant.

     This is how it played out. My son and 2 grandsons were in one coutry and my daughter in law was finishing up dental appointments in another country. Can you imagine the dilemma of my son and my grandsons and my daughter in law when both countries closed their borders?! The only way they could be reunited was to return to the States. But that proved to be a bit complicated.

     My son and 2 grandsons had to catch an expatriate flight out of the country where they lived. My daughter in law had to do the same in the country where she was. These flights were sporadic and they had to jump through a bunch of hoops to even get on one. Eventually, they both caught a flight but at different times. 

     My son was the first to arrive in the States but the coronavirus demanded he and my young grandsons quarantine for 2 weeks. Boy, did those two weeks drag out! Then a few days later my daughter in law reached home shores, and she began her 2 week quarantine. Each in different states by the way. Then 9 weeks from their initial separation the blessed reunion became a reality. 

So what now? 

     The country where they were serving is still shut down. No idea really, when it will open up again. A few options are being considered but no definite decision has been made. They need your prayers as they wait for guidance.

     The country where they are serving is seeing a marvelous increase in people coming to know Christ. So I know their prayer concern for that country is that the growth and spread of the Gospel will continue. 

     No one could have imagined how our lives could be so upended. Yet even though we weren’t expecting this, our security is in the fact that God is Sovereign and He is in control.