The global pandemic has dramatically impacted our world and the way we live daily. It has changed the way we work, the way we shop, the way we learn, and as believers, it has also changed the way we gather for worship. Shih-Ming is an influential leader, and pastor of a large church in Singapore. He recently had to face the effects of the pandemic and trust that his obedience to God's direction would help him navigate the uncertain times.
This is Shih-Ming’s story.
As I was drifting off to sleep one Sunday evening, my phone buzzed with a text message. “If it’s important, the person will call,” I thought to myself. Then it went off again, then again, and continued buzzing until I picked up my phone.
What I read caused me to jump from the bed.
Just weeks earlier, I felt led to put a system in place to ensure ministry would continue if a crisis suddenly struck. Our leadership team asked the congregation to subscribe to church updates via WhatsApp, and the media team tested the live streaming of our worship services online, something we never attempted before then.
At the time, making these preparations seemed a little unnecessary and definitely not urgent. Nevertheless, I knew the Holy Spirit was calling us to prepare. So, we obeyed. The team worked hard to have systems and processes ready, though we weren't sure what we were preparing for.
I found myself acting from a place of peace when I picked up the phone and learned the COVID-19 virus had made its way to our congregation through an older gentleman visiting the church. Church members were frantic: When did he come? Which worship service did he attend? Where did he sit? What is church going to be like in the coming days? Is it safe to go to church?
I did not have all the answers, but I had a deep peace in my heart; I knew God was in control.
When friends ask how I am coping with the crisis, I say, “God is good. He is leading the way.” This continues to be true even now, in the months following the outbreak of the pandemic.
When we boldly obey what the Lord calls us to do today, God uses our obedience to prepare the future. He blesses the obedience so we can be a blessing to our community and even to the nations.
Dare to Ask God to give you His peace as you trust Him to carry you through uncertain times.
Until all worship,
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