If there is one word, we can use to describe how many people felt over the last few months, it is the word ‘powerless’. As we are facing the worldwide Coronavirus crisis, it often feels as though we are on a conveyor belt over which we have no control; we don’t know how long it would continue or what the consequences will be.
In such times of uncertainty, fear could very easily take control of people’s hearts and minds and lead to utter despair. People everywhere are filled with worry and anxiety and the fear of what tomorrow may bring and they feel absolutely powerless to do anything about it.
Yet, in the midst of these circumstances, it is important to remember, that even though we did not choose our circumstances (and have little or no control over it), we still have a choice in how we are going to deal with it.
In fact, here are five choices that we can all make during this time; choices that can help you to handle this crisis in a more courageous way:
1. Choose your focus
Depending on what or Who you choose to focus on, you will either go into despair or you will be filled with hope; you will either feel weak and overwhelmed by fear, or strong and courageous.
Your focus will determine your attitude.
Even though you may be at home on your own or be worried about how your business is going to survive or feel uncertain about how long this is going to continue… Decide that you will live in faith and not in fear. Decide that you will keep your eyes on Jesus, and not your circumstances, because He is with you and He will also guide you through this, step by step.
2. Choose your attitude
You always have a choice when it comes to your attitude.
Yes, we didn’t plan for 2020 to look this way. Yes, you wanted your family to come and visit you; yes, you had great holiday plans, yes, you worked very hard to be ready for your exams… and yes, the way life suddenly changed, is very challenging, and extremely concerning. However, even though you couldn’t choose what happened to you, you can choose how you are going to respond to it and a good place to start, is to decide that you are going to have a positive attitude.
Of course, you can complain and grumble about everything, but you choose not to. Instead, you decide to spread kindness and compassion wherever you go. You choose to instead of bringing the atmosphere down with your negative attitude, that you are going to shine wherever you are, no matter how weak or powerless you may feel.
In fact, the darker your circumstances, the greater the opportunity for you to shine Jesus’ light.
3. Choose to pray
Never underestimate the power of prayer. That is why we should always choose to make prayer our first response, rather than our last resort.
We need to do the same during this crisis.
4. Choose to support each other
If there is one thing we learnt during this time of lockdown, it is that we were made for community. We are so much better when we are together and when we are not, we really miss each other.
It has been so encouraging to see, that despite all the restrictions on physical contact during the last few months, people still support and encourage one another. Whether it is through online meetings, encouraging whatsapp messages or regular phone calls, we can all choose to support each other. Because we all need it.
5. Choose to trust God
God is faithful.
Even when you feel down and uncertain about how you are going to manage in this crisis, remember that God holds you in the palm of His hand – and that there is nothing that can separate you from His love; not even this virus or anything else that comes as a result of this time.
That is why you can trust Him.
Therefore, no matter how challenging this pandemic may be, remember that we are not powerless. We have the power to choose how we respond to this crisis.
Therefore, let us choose to keep our focus on Jesus, even if our circumstances are scary; let’s choose to keep our eyes on Him and find our strength in Him. Let’s choose to have a positive attitude; to not complain and moan about our situation but bring hope and shine light wherever we can. Let’s choose to pray for one another and support each other. And through it all, let’s choose to trust God, because He is faithful, and He is with you, no matter what you may be facing.
