When I consider all that was prepared in advance for all the good works that are happening around the globe today, I am in AWE! I stand amazed.
For such a time as this…Esther was prepared to be a queen and save the Jewish people. God placed her in the palace – gave her favor with the king – allowed her access to her cousin to hear of the plot against the Jews – and even more. Esther was prepared for such a time as that.
So what about me? Was I prepared for such a time as this? Was the world prepared for such a time as this? I think this may be a blog post I come back to time and time again to be reminded of the greatness and faithfulness of the Lord. So what do I see? Let me just list a few things…
- My family all has cell phones to connect with family, friends, co-workers, and reunion type gatherings. Most of the world has cell phones. 20-25 years ago…not the case.
- But really – so you can talk…who cares! Simple. Some can continue school; some can continue to work; all can continue to connect with others via call/facetime/duo/zoom/hangouts/Facebook! We are not alone. I know for me I have connected with way more people that I would have normally. I am connecting with my New Life Ministry alumni – most not seen in 25 years! I am chatting with family almost daily! My Saturday morning gaggle of ladies still meets to encourage, build-up and share struggles and prayer.
- Imagine this happening in 1990. No one had cell phones. Pay phones/calling cards were out there. Want to reach out to people? Write a letter….then wait…Or call and hear a busy signal if an answer at all.
- Check! We are blessed.
- Along those same lines – we have Zoom (since 2011), Google Hangouts/Meet (since 2013), Facetime (2010) and/or Skype (since 2003)
- Seeing one another face to face is life-changing. Thanks to Google – looks like the most popular ways weren’t around before 2003! Covid-19 is 2020..we have so much.
- Bible studies/churches/friend groups can stay connected and lift one another up.
- I have fabric/thread/2 sewing machines and time.
- For the past 20 years, people have given me yards upon yards of fabric. Perhaps they know that I love to sew but only craft stuff…and any fabric will do! I know at one point I had 2 big black garbage bags full of fabric -all kinds but a lot of cotton!
- Because I am not a professional seamstress – I never know how much stuff I need…so when I would start the few clothing projects, I would stock up on more thread than I could possibly use…I have more than enough. Had I touched it in the last 5-10 years? Barely.
- Because I made purses for a charity – I had 1/4″ elastic on hand…not much but enough to get started! Had I touched it in 5-10 years? Barely.
- Over 60 masks made and barely a dent in my fabric supply…I’ve gotten through some of it…but I’m a very ‘eat all of one food item before going on to the next menu item’ kind of person…I guess it translates to using fabric I have had for years.
- I have an inductive study bible that has been waiting for the right moment to work through…Empty chapter headers/book questions/etc… I love my bible but it is obvious that it is meant for more…It was given to me for my 40th birthday….10 years ago…Guess what – the time is now!
- As I study Acts through Community Bible Study (highly recommend), I have been in awe of the ministry of Paul…I really did want to spend more time in his writings but … time – not something I had a lot of.
- Welcome to self-isolation then stay home orders, and I have nothing but time. I started to study I & II Thessalonians (seeing Christ as our Calling King) inductively and moved to Galatians (Seeing the freedom we have in Christ0 and now finishing up Ephesians (Our glorious treasure in Him)…WHOA ! I am blown away and am absolutely loving my time of study. I am awoken in the early hours and can’t wait to get into the Word.
- Finally – maybe it’s the non-English-loving part of me, but I am really bad at coming up with key word markings…Thank you to other people willing to share their mark ups with people like me! Do I know them? NOPE! But I so appreciate them! Thank you internet! (Again….20 years ago? )
- And finally – music. From the moment I was born I was exposed to music – probably prior to birth actually. It’s been a huge part of my life. How cool is it that we get to hear so many talented musicians live-stream just for encouragement…for the love of community! My husband has had recording equipment for years….but in the last 5 or so years, upped his game to an 8-track recorder. What a blessing to create music to share and bring joy! We got the time. We have the equipment. God gave us gifts and talents to share….
I am guessing in the coming weeks, I will think of many more ways we were prepared for such a time as this. Internet shopping…curbside pickup…delivery…you name it. This was not a surprise to God. He saw this moment at the beginning of time and knew what we would need and wanted each of us to look to Him for everything we would need. He is our Provider, our Comforter, our Healer, our All in All, the Great I AM! He is everything you need.
And so – do as our great Mr. Incredible did on the way to his wedding…declare… ‘I got time!’ 😉 My favorite movie quote – also coincidentally probably the only quote I remember off the top of my head… Be blessed!
Amy