“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13

We are most certainly facing an uncertain future at this time. Whether you are still working, have been laid off, are now fumbling to learn common core math at home, or are settling into a new routine at home, we are all in this together. If you are like me, you are worried about what the future will look like, you are worried that your loved ones will be exposed to Covid -19, you are sad that the personal connections we once had with others are on a temporary hold. You miss your friends, you miss the hugs, the handshakes, the freedom to be out and about as you wish. Our world feels uncertain, and our world feels different.

Philippians 4:13 is speaking to my heart these days. We are able to know that even in our current situation, God gives us strength. Isn’t it comforting to know that we can rely on and lean into him as we piece together a new normal? I feel that God is smiling down on us too and is pleased with what he sees. Families are growing closer and communities are standing together. Due to the time we are spending at home with our families, meal times look different as we are all gathered around one table on a nightly basis, rather than hurrying to go from one activity to the next. Families are spending more time together walking in the neighborhoods. Siblings are finding creative ways to get along. Projects are being completed. We as a community are finding ways to still be together via technology, and it seems as though people are kinder and gentler to each other as we realize we are all in the same boat.

Our lives are changed, but God gives us strength; strength to face the challenges, strength to find the positive, strength to push through. We may not know exactly what God wants us to do, or how to do it, but we can also use this time while we socially distance ourselves from the outside world to draw closer to God and use this time as a learning opportunity. We can learn how to slow down and we can learn how to draw closer to our loved ones. And we can learn exactly how to draw on that strength from Christ as we draw closer to God. Even though we are all faced with uncertainty right now, God is still with us, protecting us and filling us with grace and hope, bringing us closer to our loved ones and building our confidence in him.

Dear God,
Continue to wrap your loving arms around your people, comfort us in this time of trial, grant us peace in our hearts, that the anxiety and worry be calmed by your presence. Help us to find the good in each day, and continue to see Your good works. Continue to give us the ability to do all things through You, who gives us strength.
In your Holy name, we pray, Amen.

Written by Jill Weyers

This month’s devotion was written by Jill Weyers. Jill has been a member of Sheridan her entire life and a member of the Women’s Ministry team for 3 years. She and Jeff have been married for 15 years and have 3 children -Hadley (13), Mason (10), and Burke (6). Jill works as a Transitional Care Management Nurse and in her free time enjoys spending time with her family, attending the farmers market with a good cup of coffee in hand, and gardening.