I have seen many episodes in the horror movies when it seems that the world temporarily stops to exist -Empty streets, parks without chattering children, closed shopping malls – such scenes scares me. I would never imagine that it could be reality in my life. The year of 2020 was able to bring those “movie episodes” into the real world and bring it to lives. The invisible enemy forcibly locked us in the house and took us away from our daily routine. We have completely lost our living relationship: many death roll, many infected people, stagnant time, stagnant world – all this brought not only material crises, but also spiritual trauma.
Of course, this affected me as well; it is difficult to face harsh reality. It is difficult to read hopelessness and despair in the eyes of people!
Is this the end? What will happen next? Is there any help?… Those and many other questions kept popping up into my head all the time. I was afraid to watch TV just because I did hear anything good.
Do you know that, despite all this, the pandemic had its advantages? I had too much free time, which allowed me to talk to the Lord every day as I had so much questions. Moreover, every single day I got answer of my questions! I felt call from Him! I filled up with strength and hope! I felt His presence in my everyday life, He did not left me alone and He did not left me weak.
When the whole world moved to Online, our church was no exception. It is unusual when you can virtually attend the church service from your home with the cup of coffee in your hand. Most of all I was very glad seeing people, who usually do not come to the Sunday service, attending virtual church services. Online we actually encouraged each other and shared motivational passages from the Bible, which was really a great upkeep for all of us.
This Pandemic was great experience to me. Once again, I was convinced that nothing is impossible when you are with the Lord. God will never bring you a trail that you are not be able to endure. Start each day with gratitude; thank Him for what you have. Ask Him to show you the right way. Call on the Lord in every situation and He will answer you, call on Him and He will surely hear your voice, trust Him.
Finally, I want to reassure you with my favorite verse from Scripture: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Remember that, even if the world stops, God never forsake you! He will not leave you alone! Call Him! What are you waiting for?
Roza Knoeva, Georgia, Tbilisi, 2020