2 Peter 1:5-8 – For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, … knowledge, … self-control, … steadfastness, … godliness, … and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV)

From its inception, I have had several injections of COVID vaccine; my latest was in September 2023. These jabs have saved me from the worst effects of catching the disease, as I did earlier this year. Praise God, so far, I have not been overwhelmed by it, apart from a lessened sense of smell.

One of the consequences of COVID, along with my increasing age, was finding a new normality that I have had to identify: to become fitter in my exercise regime. In this, Daisy the dog has been a great asset, to guilt me out of the house as she looks at me, full of expectancy of going out, sitting by the door.

Another consequence is that I have not wanted to go out shopping or mingling with others in case I caught COVID. As a result, I allowed some uneasiness and distress to creep into my life: a fear of suffering in a hospital bed on my own. Bad things happen, and a lot of it is reported in the daily news updates, which fed my apprehension of not being in control.

Past memories have influenced me to pray against this fear of forlornness, and for God to come into these buried areas of my life and to bring His peace which passes all understanding. Praise God, I have received His comfort in good measure as a shield against the disparaging thoughts from the daily onslaught of the evil one.

A part of our calling is to have the faith to know that no matter the cause when we become afraid, God is with us through it. I have lived in the manifestation of God's love through mental onslaught, which manifestation, on and off, has saved me over the years — truly a blessing. I know that we have only to reach out in a sincere, heartfelt plea to receive and comprehend Jesus' acceptance. Thus it was sad to see how I had unwittingly become more desirous of distancing myself from others.

Recently, Caroline peeled an orange, and the aroma filled the room. It reminded me of how much my sense of smell has returned from earlier. This, in turn, led me to ask the question: what fragrance of Jesus is there left in my life? What has happened to the fruit of the Spirit, my godly fragrance?

Jesus said: "Follow Me!" So, we follow. No one said that it would be easy, but I rejoice in the grace that God gives and the challenge to keep on being open to others.

Prayer: Lord, let Your fragrance increase and suffuse the life that we lead by Your grace. May we not fear the unknown but trust in Your unfailing love to guide us. In Jesus' name. we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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