Bryan
My father had been in assisted living with worsening dementia for three years before COVID. I often argued with the Lord, exhausted from the daily challenges. I couldn’t understand why God wasn’t intervening. When COVID spread, the thought of dealing with Dad through his room window angered me. Then, one week into COVID, the Lord took Dad home. I cried with both sadness and joy! I was in awe that God’s timing was so perfect—Dad was where he wanted to be, and I didn’t have to face him living through COVID as a shell of himself.
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
Growing up as a missionary’s kid in France, I saw my parents living in God’s will. At 16, I returned to the U.S. and prayed for opportunities to serve the lost in France. In my early 20s, I earned an MBA in International Business. Eleven years later, I became a regional manager working in French-speaking countries in Europe and North Africa. Executives often asked how I spoke like a native, and when I shared my background, they’d ask, “What is a missionary?” God opened many doors, and I was fully in my sweet spot!
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
After 16 years with the same company, I suddenly found myself unemployed due to a layoff. My severance and unemployment benefits had run out, and I frequently questioned, “Why?” I told the Lord, “I know what Scripture says about You loving me, but You’ve really forgotten me!” One day, after paying a $900 dental bill for our son, I fought back tears so he wouldn’t see my brokenness. When I got home, a letter from my Aunt arrived with a note saying she was praying for us and included a check for $900. My hope and trust were renewed!
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
The Lord used COVID to get our attention, a wake-up call to refocus on Him and His Word. Proverbs 16:9 says, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” All mankind’s plans were changed as the Lord directed our steps in His plan. What man meant for evil, God is revealing as truth, with His grace and love shining through the darkness. This was seen when in-person worship stopped. Now, signs of revival are emerging, and believers have the opportunity to reflect His light and boldly proclaim His majesty and sovereignty.
”SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”