New Opportunities for Renewed Dependence
by Rev. Noel Edwardes, Congregational Care Pastor
I was chatting to my neighbour yesterday and he said, “You didn’t go to church last Sunday. Is it closed?” I responded by telling him yes the doors of the church closed, but we are now doing church on line. He stopped in his tracks and exclaimed, “I have never heard of that before, Church on line!?” To him this was something brand new, even unthinkable.
Perhaps George’s (not his real name) remark is a common thought amongst much of our society today. He thought that something had happened that had such an impact on the church that it was now incapable of functioning. He may not understand the real essence of the church but he may have expressed something many in our community are thinking.
Along with the lockdown isolation, we’ve had to think about how to live in these most unusual circumstances. Suddenly everything is different! For parents there is the new experience of home schooling - a test of patience, stamina and ideas. In everyone’s mind there are the financial implications and job security. But life has not stopped. All the essential stuff must go on, whatever that may be.
To George, having church online was unheard of and yet what an opportunity this crisis presents. Perhaps as never before, we have the occasion to use technology in a most constructive way. People tell me they are bored, not knowing what to do with “all this time” on their hands.
We could use this ‘spare’ time and risk talking to someone, share a scripture, relate something interesting or personal which builds relationships, letting them know they’re important. Just imagine the friendships that could be established in that time. Praying, reading a scripture and encouraging takes a little preparation, but the end result is worthwhile.
This crisis has also caused a number of people to ask why this is happening and what is God saying through it all. As valid and significant as these questions may be, we have to recognise that we don’t have all the answers. It’s God’s prerogative to reveal or not to reveal. As we experience the intense feeling of our lack of community, togetherness and unity, God’s presence can become very real. From this reality can emerge new possibilities, new acts of kindness, new hope.
We don’t know when this abnormal situation will end or what the outcome might be, but we do know who holds us in the palm of His hands and that’s what makes the difference.
“Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding-place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:6-8)
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)
I wonder if this could be the opportunity for us to reassess our priorities and reaffirm those key values that have somehow got lost in our ‘material world’? We enjoy those familiar things, they are all around but unfortunately they encourage selfish pursuits rather than a dependence on the Lord.
A crisis there may be, but if it’s an opportunity the big question is: What are we going to make of it?