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Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Standing On The Promises"1
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Virtually all of us have engaged in big questions related to COVID-19 vaccines: Should I? When? Where? How? What can I expect?" Along the way, we've encountered an abundance of guidance: "Book here!" "Go there!"
When I went for my jab, I found myself impressed by the guidance provided. I encountered friendly traffic controllers pointing where to park. Guides pointed me to the arena entrance. Before I left, I had been directed by well over a dozen guides. That helped me to feel good on that special occasion when I received my rite of passage. Of course, I won't discount my own role — in asking questions.
Isn't that how a crisis works? It gets people asking questions. But that doesn't mean that the big question gets raised — the all-time question that God Himself wants us to ask. We could call it the "Big Ask". It's the one that Jeremiah set before his own nation during a time of crisis:
Jeremiah 6:16a – Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. (NIV)
Surely this reflects whatever particular spiritual crossroads we face today, requiring the same steps: Stand … Look … Ask …
Note that this instruction was for God's people. We then wonder, who amongst us is asking the "Big Ask"? You? … Me?
Sadly, professing Christians have often assumed that they knew "the ancient paths" and were walking in "the good way". We're easily tempted to think that way. Our own rites of passage and our religious busyness prevent us from standing still long enough to notice and examine whatever critical crossroads is facing us. We fail to notice a lack of spiritual rest experienced in our lives and our relationships, namely the rest promised through Jeremiah: "You will find rest for your souls." Remember, if we're not asking for "the ancient paths" and "the good way", we risk the same failure as Jeremiah's people: They said, "We will not walk in it!" (Jeremiah 6:16b NIV)
The sense of security and inner peace that comes with COVID-19 vaccines and the abatement of the pandemic puts us at risk of the terrible, fateful temptation to suppress the "Big Ask". The unsurpassed question then remains dormant within our souls.
I wonder who among us views the COVID-19 crisis as a God-ordained opportunity to step off whatever our treadmill is, and position ourselves spiritually for the "Big Ask". Why not seize this timely crisis to seek ever more diligently after the "good way" — truly God's best for us? Christ Himself draws us into the "good way", in His words:
Matthew 11:28 – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (NIV)
With this revitalizing promise in view, I invite you to pray with me:
Prayer: Lord of restfulness, this very day, help me to stop, stand still, look, and ask! For I long to experience Your perfect rest as never before, and in turn, become an authentic guide for others seeking "the good way". Amen.
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About the author:
Diane Eaton <dianeeaton6@gmail.com>
Paisley, Ontario, Canada
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Needed advice, Diane.
Thanks for this great word at this time in the covid-19 crisis.
So important Diane, thank you for the clarity and God bless!
Well said.
Thank you.
Good questions are very important. Sometimes more important than the quick answers? Blessings.
Great Diane
Right on for me this day. So be it as God says in His Word of Truth and Right.
Shalom.
Thank you, Diane, for wading bravely into a topic ripe for discussion. Does God ordain suffering or is it that by divine guidance we are led to the path best laid out for us.
(ON)
Greetings Diane,
Thank you for another of your special writings encouraging and reminding us of the many ways the Lord cares for us. He is ever ready to respond to us if we but “ask” for His care and guidance. Blessings for these writings you do.
Good morning Diane
I find myself at different times getting frustrated with the situation at hand and then the light comes on… ask for help. Jesus is right there and when I have stopped and asked and then wait a bit more for an answer or just that peace that comes over you, the problem is resolved.
Thank you for the reminder to ask!!!
Have a blessed day.
Hi Diane,
I, too, was very impressed by how our local vaccination clinic is being run. I’m especially thankful for this as using a walker complicates things a bit for me but the volunteers and staff made it all go very smoothly for me.
I’m very proud of my husband who, as a local Rotarian, has helped direct traffic in the parking lot there several times. His experience with this really helped when he took me to get my first shot, too. I know getting my second shot in August will go just as well.
Blessings,
(ON)
Good morning Diane,
The pandemic has definitely helped me to slow down and realize what is important in my faith. I have more time to contemplate and listen for God’s answers to my prayers. It is so true that if we are not asking and actively listening, we will not follow the path that God has planned for us. Thank you for the reminder and the prayer to help us to slow down and spend time with God so that we are refreshed and can help others gain that inner peace that comes from our trust in our God. May you have many blessings and peace today.
Hi Diane
I always look forward to reading the daily devotional when I see you have written it.
I lost my husband a few years ago to cancer. I miss him every day. I still live in my house and hire someone to do the outside work.
I have found the pandemic isolating. However, my faith and trust in God has kept me safe. I am looking forward to being able to attend church and socialize with others.
I trust that you have kept well and keep writing. You touch many lives with meaningful words.
Blessings.
Thanks for this devotional … and I also enjoyed looking through this month’s Hi-Rise. Thanks.