Counting Your Blessings In A Pandemic
Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive fails and the fields produce no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, 18 Yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the Lord; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! 19 The Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet and makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility]. For the choir director, on my stringed instruments. (Habakkuk 3:17-19 Amplified)
During this pandemic, it could be challenging to find reasons to be thankful as the reasons to panic and become fearful scream so loud, that it can get so overwhelming but it is time to scream louder than the fear and panic flying around. Psalms 103 reminds us to bless the Lord and forget not all His benefits. There are so many blessings in the midst of this storm that can be easily missed and it is time we remind ourselves what they are.
Blessings in Disguise
More time to spend with God and grow in Him
You get to save on gas/fuel if working from home
Still have a job
No more rush hour to or from work (you’re just a few steps to your made-up office at home)
Time redeemed from driving because of working from home
Precious time spent with family and opportunity to connect more intimately
Amazing time to explore some new meal ideas or perfect your cooking skills
More time to read the book(s) of the month
Finally able to write the book(s) you hadn’t had time to write
More time to work on your business (new or revamped website, new strategies for the future, creating more presence on social media)
Start an online course or training with the free time you have
Get some me-time for yourself and catch a breath finally (just within your home)
Enjoy the lower interest rate for your mortgage
Cancelled vacation time just allowed you to save money for future projects
Learn a new way to greet (leg shake, elbow bump, namaste, saluting etc)
Saved money by cooking at home while reducing expenses from eating out.
Minimizing laundry time (eliminating your formal work clothes)
Amazing times of “Pyjamas at Work”
Learnt how to make hand sanitizers
Activated your creative juices (with coming up with virtual activities for loved ones, activities for the kids, etc)
Being reminded of the importance of church gatherings/ the freedom to worship
More time to exercise
Enjoy some financial benefits from the government (increased child care benefits, EI you would have not qualified for, etc)
Lesser need for a car wash (especially during winter)
Ability to control the temperature and ambience of your “home office”
Opportunity to repair estranged relationships (people during this time are a lot more understanding)
Excellent way and time to train the younger kids about the importance of washing their hands
Landlords prohibited to evict any tenant or increase rent (Thank God you have a roof over your head and opportunity to save money)
Student loan payment deferred (a great way to save as a student)
No finals for some classes that started at the beginning of the year (No exam fever and ability to maintain your high grades)
Ability to work on your song album
Bonus: If you’re reading this, you are ALIVE!
You can take one of these blessings in disguise and ponder on it every day for a month. Tweak it as it relates to your specific situation and in fact, come up with your own additional list of blessings in disguise. It is my prayer that when this is over, we will end up in a much better place than we were at the beginning of this pandemic in Jesus’ name amen.
In these interesting times, having Jesus Christ is a refuge and strong tower we can run to but in order to enjoy this safe haven, you need to open up your heart unto Jesus Christ, as your personal Lord and Saviour. If you like to make this decision today, please say this prayer with me:
“Lord Jesus Christ, I believe you are the Son of God and I believe You died for me on the cross of Calvary. I know I am a sinner and today, I come to You to forgive me for all my sins and to make me a brand new creation. I accept You as my personal Lord and Saviour. Thank you, Lord, for forgiving me and making me born again, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Congratulations!!!! You are now born-again! This means you share the same DNA as Jesus Christ and because of you, there is a great celebration in heaven right now!
If you made this decision, I would love to hear from you today! Please leave a comment on this post or reach out to me at https://www.cccghq.org/contact-us
By: Pastor Ibukun Adewusi