The best gift to man—or, if not the best, then at least the rarest—is the power to meet the emergency: to do your best and a little better than your best when nothing less will serve.”
–Eugene Manlove Rhodes (Bransford of Rainbow Range)
“In this confidence let us hold on to the hope that we profess without the slightest hesitation—for he is utterly dependable—and let us think of one another and how we can encourage each other to love and do good deeds.”
–Hebrews 10:23-24 (Phillips)
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My mercy, it’s May already! Hard to believe. May 1–May Day, an ancient celebration to bring in the spring season. Through the years there have been many “versions” of it. The most common in the U.S. was the giving of baskets, candy and flowers, left anonymously on the neighbor’s doorsteps. It has also been designated as Law Day in the United States. However, communist countries have celebrated it by the display of the nation’s armaments. Quite a difference.
The talk continues, and will continue regarding the virus. The accusations, especially since this is an election year will harp on and on. But the most important thing is: what have you done during this quarantine? Have you done your best to keep a good attitude? Have you done your best to meet the situation as it comes to you? Have you done your best to encourage friends and family? Have you done your best to get with your Lord?
Again, I will say, I do not believe that the Lord sent this virus upon the earth. However, I do believe that He has allowed it. There are several reasons, one of which is to wake up the people. The Lord is coming soon, here is a wake-up call. Another reason is for the Church, the believers, to clean up, straighten up, and look up for their redemption draweth nigh. A third reason is to set the stage for the coming of the Antichrist and his world government. There could be several more listed, but one last thing to consider was that the Lord allowed it for you. This has been a wonderful time to spend more time with Him, study His Word, meditate and contemplate on the things of God. This has been your time.
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.”
–Hebrews 10:22-24 (NKJV)
Since the Lord has given us this special time I want to close this Echo with some words from Fenelon. Perhaps it may help you during this time in your prayer life.
“When you see your mind wandering [during prayer], bring it back gently without being upset, and without ever being discouraged by these distractions which are stubborn. On the contrary, they will help you more than a prayer which brings with it very evident comfort and fervor, because these distractions will humble you, mortify you, and accustom you to seek God purely for his own sake, unmixed with any pleasure.”
As Texas begins to move back the restrictions do not neglect the habits that have been formed in your spiritual disciplines. Don’t waste and throw away this opportunity which the good Lord has given you.