My friend stands on my front porch, waving at me through the glass in my security door. She’s wearing a mask. I’m wearing a mask. I wave back, trying to say thank you loud enough so she can hear me. She’s here to pick up a box of the devotional I wrote a few years back. They’re the gift she’s getting for soon-to-be graduates this month whose soon-to-be graduations will feel anything but devoted, let alone normal.
But nothing feels normal these days. The election that we all wanted to come and go still somehow hasn’t. The football games my husband and I watch on our kitchen TV still show near empty stadiums, with cheerleaders wearing glitzy outfits shouting “Defense!” while standing six feet apart.
In hospitals, doctors report some patients yelling at them for wearing heavy protective gear — those patients arguing that they aren’t sick with COVID. In the meantime, Dr. Fauci says that even after the vaccine shots begin, life still won’t be normal for a long time. Arthur Reingold, a renowned epidemiologist, adds, “What that says to me is that people will have to keep wearing masks at least until spring. We won’t be in a magically different situation by February or March. I don’t see how that can possibly happen.”
Normal? Not any time soon.
But what, after all, was normal before the virus? Mass shootings came to our shopping malls and schools. The middle class was squeezed and still is. The working poor still fare even worse. Injustice and racism and divisions, despite those who deny such things, never went away. Other “isms” still find a foothold.
In month nine now of a pandemic, millions have lost jobs, businesses have shuttered, nearly 300,000 men, women and children in this nation have died from COVID. Then, close to my home, when I Googled a favorite mom-and-pop restaurant to check pickup options, the website greeted me with one word: CLOSED.
As if on cue, my phone buzzed with a Public Safety Alert: Your region is at severe risk from deadly COVID. Use caution.
But God.
Our pastor reminded us of our Redeemer during a recent virtual sermon. Dressed preacher-casual in a hoodie and jeans — and preaching by Zoom from his home office — he got down to business, pointing us to Isaiah 43:1: “Do not fear, I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
He could’ve kept reading through that robust forty-third chapter, moving to God’s stunning promise that “when you pass through the waters. I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” (Isaiah 43:2).
He also could’ve emphasized that “God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7).
But most of all, he drilled down deep on God’s comfort from Isaiah 43:1: “You are mine.”
Looking resolved in his hoodie, our hard-working pastor — who has ministered by faith to church members over these long months, helping folks with COVID, and even burying others — spoke to us like this: “It’s my pastoral duty to remind you that you belong to God. You are the center of His heart. God is keeping you. He can bless you and protect you, even in a pandemic.” Then he closed his sermon with this: “Thank you, Jesus!”
Seeing the screen fade away, my husband Dan and I shouted back: “Amen!”
Yes, thank you, Jesus. He still sees us, knows us, and cares all about us. “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).
That’s how the apostle Paul taught of the Lord when he was at Colosse. It was a hard time then too, with false teachers dividing the church. Paul, however, pointed the people back to the One Who knows us each by name. Your name. My name. He is the One Who invites us to turn from what looks fearful and to run to Him instead. God alone still holds all things together.
As my humble pastor said, “Thank you, Jesus!” We can try to say more in times like this. We can try to fight our way from the grip of a scary pandemic, try to ignore safety rules, piling into churches or restaurants as if our “right” to gather matters more than common sense. Or we can rest in the Lord as He holds us and everything else together. Until normal returns–however we define normal–we are still His. Even in this storm? Especially in this storm. And may God Himself help us to believe it.
Leave a Comment
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Patricia,
When I read your post, I think of Isaiah 49:16: “See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” If we believe in Jesus and His sacrifice that saved us, God has our individual names written on the palms of His hands. We are His. He told us so. Not even a pandemic will wash our names from His hands that hold us with divine love. Ironic, that in a season in which we don’t want to touch anything, God continues to reach out and touch us with His love. He lets us know we are not alone and never forgotten. “Thank you, Jesus!” Amen!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, Bev! What a stunning analogy. Not even in a pandemic will He wash our names from His hands. Glory to God! Thank you, Jesus! And thank you, amazing friend!
Cheryl says
Thankyou Bev..Isaiah is my favorite book and I love your verse…reminds me of the song..”He has the whole wide world in His hands”.
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, Cheryl! (I remember that song well! Thanks for recalling it here today!)
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Cheryl,
Yes, He’s got the whole world – including you and me in His hands – and He won’t let us go!
Bev xx
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, wonderful Bev!
Joanne says
Bev, even though I know this, I take comfort in actually reading the words you’ve written. It is Truth, Light, Security, Faithfulness, and as you said Love. Thank you for writing your thoughts down. Hugs, Joanne
Karen Knowles says
Amen, Bev!
Melanie says
Normal will not come back; to me that is a secular viewpoint. That’s how it is with God, we progress and prayerfully grow during good times and especially during not so good times. Yes, we hold onto Christ daily, it is His Spirit that guides our lives, but I don’t feel that normal is an appropriate word for this pandemic situation or for the blessed privilege of living, growing and following Him each day.
Patricia Raybon says
Thank you, dear Melanie. I don’t disagree at all. You and I say it in slightly different ways. But, as you say, Jesus is Lord all the days, every day! Glory to His Name! Much love today!
Lesley says
THANK YOU for that wonderful shot in the arm. I really needed to be reminded of that!
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, wonderful Lesley! Only God would publish this essay on the day when people in our country are lining up to get the first vaccine shots. But His love is already like a shot in the arm! Every amazing day! Thank you, Jesus! We praise You, O Lord!
darlean tipke-kane says
Thank you so much for these words, Jesus, seems so like
a son, brother, father after reading this. Peace
Patricia Raybon says
Blessings, dear Darlean! Yes, He is our Peace! Praising Him with you!
Anne says
Amen. In a world of many words, spoken and written, about this global pandemic, these minister a blessing. Thank you.
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, dear Anne. Our hard-working pastor has preached virtually every Sunday for nine months. I’m not mad at him for breaking down some Sundays and wearing jeans and a hoodie. He’s still preaching Christ! Our Alpha and Omega! Aren’t we so grateful for His love. Thank you, Jesus! Now and forever! And thank you, dear Anne, for your comment!
Madeline says
Thank you for those passionate words. Maybe the old normal wasn’t so great and we can forge ahead with a new normal that is more compassionate, caring, empathetic, and accepting. Maybe this is a time to begin to reach out more. I do know that God is on my mind more these lasts months and I am learning to trust in God more than I have in the past.
Patricia Raybon says
I’m with you, dear Madeline. If we haven’t learned how to love better during these times, our hearts are hard, indeed. Inspire us, O Lord, to love with Your compassion, empathy, care, and acceptance. Even here in our (in)courage community, may we show each other move love! Love over all. Point us, Jesus, to Your beautiful path! His blessings on you, Madeline!
Lauretta Lyle says
Yes, Thank You Jesus! I find myself using these words daily, all day in my head and out loud. They keep me grounded, hopeful and encouraged through my unchanging faith! Thank You Jesus!
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, wonderful Lauretta! Thank You, Jesus! Let’s say it loud! Love you always!!
Gail Mattox says
Amen and Amen my sista!!!!
Patricia Raybon says
Amen and Amen, Gail Mattox! His blessings today!
Irene says
Thank you, Patricia! Every morning I pray for people to have patience during this time. I pray that people will offer each other grace, even if they disagree about the way forward. I am ashamed when “Christians” focus more on self than on others. God will carry us through. I know this in my heart. Thank you for reminding us.
Patricia Raybon says
Beautiful Irene, what beautiful prayers! More grace, O Lord! May we heed that now. Then when people see “Christians” like us, they’ll hear His voice. Lord, let it be. Praying with you, Irene. His blessings today and always!
Illonda says
Amen! I am truly blessed by this morning devotional. Thanks for sharing! May God continue to bless you!
Patricia Raybon says
Blessings and thank you, wonderful Illonda! I was blessed by seeking to write it. Bless us, O Lord, to point the world to You. With His great love!
Julia Bridgewater says
Dear Patricia, thank you so much for this post. I am so thankful that God is still God and he always will be God!! He has done so much for me, answered so many Prayers I can’t begin to Praise him enough. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!
Patricia Raybon says
Oh, I hear you, dear Julia! He is so faithful!! We praise You today and always, wonderful Lord!! His blessings now and always on you, Julia!
Debbie Nance says
When I saw the line about Public Safety Alert – I knew you had to be in Colorado. 🙂 Bless you and thank you for this reminder! Waving at you from Fort Collins!
Patricia Raybon says
Waving at you from metro Denver, wonderful Debbie!!! So grateful for your warm greeting this morning! God be praised!
Debi Montemaro says
Amen
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, wonderful Debi! Amen!
Mitzi White says
Oh, how I needed this today! I have had to cancel my traditional Christmas Eve gathering for the first time in decades. This has been very disappointing to me and my family. Though we know its for the best for all of us, it’s still disappointing. The silver lining is we will have a Zoom Christmas this year and make the best of it.
Thank you for the reminder that we all can get through this with His constant presence and love. He will give me the joy needed to get through this most unusual year. This Christmas will certainly be memorable and not forgotten soon. So even if my family doesn’t meet, the Good News remains, Jesus, the Light of the Word, has been born. Joy to the world.
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, Mitzi! Jesus is still the Light of the Word and His world. I pray His loving grace, joy and presence as your family gathers by Zoom. May you feel Him right there in the virtual room! Blessings as you make your plans and details by faith. Then, indeed, have a very Merry Christmas in Christ! With His love today, Patricia
Kathy McKinsey says
God bless you. Thank you.:)
Patricia Raybon says
God bless you, too, Kathy! Thank you and many blessings!
Dianne P Preibisius says
That was excellent, surely a God send in these present times. Yes indeed, common sense should be used. We are able to have any faith get together on computer or tv. A quiet moment in our own homes can also connect us with Jesus. We do not have the ‘right’ to endanger others. Thank you for your post, it was lovely. God Bless.
Patricia Raybon says
Blessings today, beautiful Dianne–and thank you so much for your wise response!! You are much appreciated. Much peace and love!
Jean says
Praise the Lord indeed!!
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, wonderful Jean! Praise the Lord!!
Joanne Peterson says
Patricia, well spoken and timely for my family. Thank you for speaking Truth, and taking the time to listen and share your insight of Jesus’ Truth with us. Blessings, Joanne
Patricia Raybon says
Blessings, dear Joanne–and thank you so much. I appreciate your loving reply and encouragement so much! God’s wonderful blessings on you and your entire family!
Dawn Ferguson-Little says
Patricia no matter what. We have big mighty God who will look after us. Look at the story in our Bibles of Jesus feeding 5000 plus people that day it doesn’t say anything about the Children that might have been there that day on five loaves and two fish. Jesus told the disciples to get them all to sit down on the grass. The people there that day came to hear the King of the world speak who Jesus speak. They did care about Germs. As they knew the king of world would keep them safe. They did care if the person beside them had washed their hands or not or if they had a cold or running nose. Or if the kids had clean hands or not or clean noses or clean faces. Or about the insects on the grass. When the baskets of fish and loaves were being passed around. They all knew the king of the world Jesus would look after them and keep them all safe. This story when it came into my head taught me a big lesson. And big Question. Who are what are we as followers of Jesus really putting our trust in today or holding too. Is our trust really on the one who made this world or we in a panic that we even though we are saved. We might catch Covid 19. If we did would we die from it. We’re is our real faith then if like that. What does it really lie in. Does it lie in what we hear in the news and what the big people tell us to do. Or does it lie in the God who made this world. Yes we have to do our part even as saved people the follower of Jesus. Wear masks in Church and Shops etc. But for worrying about will we catch it. Plus other things. Who are we putting our trust in? Is the God who made the world. Like the song I was taught at Sunday School when small. It is so true for us all today you get it on YouTube. It is “He got the whole world in his Hands. In his hands he got me and you Brother” there are more words to the song. The song is so true. God has got the whole world in his hands and he got me and you Brother in his hands. So I putting my trust in Jesus. Not Man. I trusting Phil 4 verse 19 Which say “My God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus” Meaning God will meet all my money needs not my what my head is telling me and he will meet my health needs. According to his riches in Christ Jesus and let nothing happen to me. If I did get Covid 19. Jesus wouldn’t let it kill me. I recover from it. But I know Jesus will never let me catch it. Because I have Psalm 91 over me. Plus the Armour of God in Ephesians 6 as I apply these over me every day in faith. So you the saved can do the same and apply them to in faith. Start sinning Jesus Jesus Jesus over your life and saying it. Not talking about Corona Corona Corona all the time. Applying the word of God over your lives and saying the promises in God word over your lives. See how your faith changes. You because less worried about things and about Covid 19. You being to trust Jesus more your life begins to change for the better. Mine did. For doing this. I am so glad. Yes it Good to watch the news to know how to pray against it. Thanks you Patricia for another excellent reading. Thank you incourage praying for you all. Patricia still keeping your Daughter and her Husband and kids in prayer. Believing God for their Salvation. I know in God perfect timing all will get saved. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little Enniskillen Co Fermanagh. Xx
Dawn Ferguson-Little says
I meant to say shinning not sinning sorry for the mistake please forgive me my typing errors went wrong.
Patricia Raybon says
Blessings, wonderful Dawn. Thank you so much for sharing your great faith and your encouraging perspective!! Wonderful blessings and to you and your family and Merry Christmas, too! With God’s great peace, health and joy!!
Dawn Ferguson-Little says
Thank you Patricia for writing back to my reply. I write what God put on my heart. I love your writtings. I love to pray for your Daughter and her family and family to come to the Lord. My Husband and I we support amw Link. It is Building Christ’s Church Among Arab People and what your Daughter believes in. Because Raymond cousin she married a Muslim. They do work also with the Muslims as well they have two boys still as school twins brought up Muslim. Raymond my Husband cousin was brought up in Christian family. Both her late parents were Christians. Here is the web site of ARB World Ministries. They be only too glad too pray for your Daughter and her Husband and kids. If you didn’t want their names said too anyone else. They respect that. Here is website so you can look up more about the good work they do. I and my husband pray for the work they do as well as support them. We got involved because of Raymond my Husband cousin. Because we heard them speak. http://www.awm-pioneers.orgs I just love to pray for you for your Daughter and her husband and kids. As I know and believe in Gods perfect timing all of them will get saved. What Day that will be for you. They will see the light of Jesus is the true light. The only light. Just at the moment Satan has their eyes blinded like he has Raymond my Husband cousin eyes blinded and her husband eyes blinds plus his family. I know in God perfect timing they will and her two boys also come to see Jesus is the true light also. Love Dawn Happy Christmas to you and your Husband. Dawn Ferguson-Little Enniskillen Co Fermanagh xx
Beth Williams says
Patricia,
There have been many plagues similar to Corona virus in the past. Just like those we will get through this time with God’s help. The verse I clung to lately is Psalm 23:4-5 “Yea though I walk THROUGH the valley of shadow of death I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod & staff they comfort me.” God has gotten us through pandemics, wars, etc. He will get us through this also. This advent season let’s rest in the knowing that God’s got this. He is holding our hands tightly & has our names written on His palms.
Blessings 🙂
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, Beth!! In Christ, He will carry us THROUGH! Thank you for that fresh perspective on Psalm 23. I appreciate so much your wise counsel. Thank you for encouraging!! His peace and blessings on you now, tomorrow and always!
Jennifer Haynie says
Patricia,
I loved this post. I used to hate the term “new” normal as well. Still do, sometimes, but I guess you could say that as each day we live life changes us, we are in a “new” normal daily. Thank you for the encouragement that God keeps us. And yes, I say he can even make us thrive during a time when everything seems to be coming down. God has grown me during this time, and I’ve learned that I can indeed thrive. After all, with a little rain, don’t flowers in the desert bloom?
Patricia Raybon says
So well said, wonderful Jennifer. I love your analogy that, with a little rain, flowers in the desert bloom and thrive in Christ. May He bless us to do the same during this time. Thank you so much for your wise encouragement! Many blessings!
Martha Troxel says
What an encouraging post! I appreciate it very much!a
Patricia Raybon says
Wonderful, Martha! Thank you so much. I’m so grateful this post encouraged! Onward we go in Christ!
Jessica Parsons says
Thank You Jesus
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, Jessica! Thank you, Jesus!
Norma Rodd says
Thank u, I appreciate this word, especially “you are mine” from Isaiah 43:1 & also about resting in Him, so we can find out that He alone is all we need and our everything in all that comes our way. Thank u for sharing with us. Many blessings in Him.
Norma ⚘⚘⚘
Patricia Raybon says
Many blessings in Him, too, dear Norma! With His peace! Patricia
www.marrakechquad.com says
Well written and done!
I’ve only just beyun blogging very recently and noticed that lot of writers merely rehash old ideas but aadd very
litte of value. It’s fantastic to read aan informative article of
some real valuie to your readers and me.
It is gooing on my list of creteria I need to replicate as a new blogger.
Visitor engagement and material value are king.
Some fantastic ideas; you’ve most certainly made it on my list of sites to watch!
Cntinue the good work!
Cheers,
Mickie
Patricia Raybon says
Mickie, thank you so much! And blessings on your blogging journey. May your readers be inspired and blessed!
Debbie says
Thank you! I need to read this everyday!
Patricia Raybon says
Beautiful Debbie! Thank you so much. Your feedback is a blessing. With warmest thanks and kind regards!
Emma Corbin says
A wonderful message. It was inspirational. Keep on allowing the Lord to use you in the gift He has given you. God bless!
Patricia Raybon says
Beautiful Emma! Thank you so much. Your kind feedback really blesses me today. May we all inspire each other in Christ, indeed. With His great love and joy! Merry Christmas, too!
Yolonda says
Thank you so much for that! Even though those are things that we know, it is always good to be reminded. Thank you for continuing to share His Word. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Patricia Raybon says
Beautiful Yolanda! Thank you so much. I pray you had a Merry Christmas and pray God’s kindest good blessings on you and your entire family in the New Year! With His peace and joy!
Sharon K. Cochran says
How reassuring this wonderful writing is, Pat. I sit here alone, 11 years since Phil passed away at Christmas, pondering life as I now know it. I’ve decided that whatever “normal” is when the major pandemic ends (because there are sure to be aftershocks), I will be alright alone because GOD will hold me and life and the world together. Your writing has given me the “warm fuzzies” I need to get through this day with JOY!! Thank you, Pat, and THANK YOU, JESUS!! AMEN!!
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, beautiful Sharon! Your candid thoughts–about your wonderful Phil, the life you led together, your life now, and God’s faithfulness whether times are “normal” or not–speak to your endurance, resilience and God’s enabling power in all of our lives. With Him, we are never alone, indeed. As He holds all things together, may He continue to hold you with love, kindness and grace in the palm of His hand — now, always and forever! With His peace and love, Pat
Diane Hardy Hardy Greggs says
Praise God for that timely message. God always holds it and us together. During the time of us dealing with the virus, the doctor diagnosed me with colon cancer. My body might have it BUT I don’t have it. I listen to the doctors instructions and tests BUT MY GOD is my HEALER. I pray we all get closer to God, pray without ceasing and BELIEVE without fear. God Bless You Min. Patricia and all
Patricia Raybon says
Amen, beautiful Diane! Speak life! I rejoice with you that God is Your Healer in all things and in all ways. His blessings on your faith-filled journey. You are an inspiration and a powerful witness to His goodness and power. His great blessings as you abide AND thrive in Him. Onward in Christ!
Deborah Taylor says
He is with us and for us!That truly is something to hold on to
Sandy Foster says
Thank you, Jesus! <3
Amy says
You speak to my heart, thank you for this devotional, it gives me courage and hope and the resolve to continue praying for the things most dear to my hear and soul. Bless you!
Indiane says
I love so many things about your devotional today. The scripture references are fantastic!
Blessings to you and the in(courage) team today and every day!