by Samuel Won
As I write this, I am receiving what seems like unending news updates on the devastation COVID-19 is causing all over the world, and especially in our very own region here in NY and NJ. Not only that, but I have begun to slowly hear more and more about how this virus is affecting my friends personally. Although by now it’s been said numerous times, it’s worth repeating that we are truly living in unprecedented times.
Such times as these bring their own challenges and unique changes, most of which no one has navigated before. Thankfully, so many have risen up in this crisis such as medical workers, doctors, caretakers, and more. As well those who work long hours at grocery stores to pharmacies and other essential businesses. They are pillars in moments like this helping the rest of us through this time. Our deepest gratitude and respect goes out to them and their loved ones! Also we’ve been so blessed and encouraged by many of our friends and colleagues in ministry who have led courageously by taking advantage of technology and online streaming to serve their people. Keep going! We are rooting for you all.
With that being said, as a ministry we have asked ourselves and the Lord as to ways we can better serve our region. It’s a question we’ve been wrestling with for weeks. Obviously we have canceled all monthly gatherings until further notice. Consequently, we had to postpone our annual conference that was scheduled for this summer as well. That was a tough decision, but the right one given the circumstances. It’s easier in these moments to figure out what not to do, but the challenge is what then should we do?
So how do we know what to do? First, when I look at the life of Jesus, I never see Him ever in a rush. He’s not in a hurry. In fact He waited thirty long years to start His ministry, and He’s the Son of God… He’s not just putting His hand to anything and everything, but instead is operating at the timetable of Heaven. He is moving at the speed of obedience. Why? Jesus’s exact reasoning for that was that He only did what He saw the Father doing and said only what He heard the Father saying. In times when there is no model or pattern to follow, we must look to God and hear His voice because that’s the blueprint. In urgent and critical times, we think we must act, but the truth is, we can’t afford to act without hearing His voice first.
Second, when God commanded Noah to build an ark, it wasn’t a general command He gave. It wasn’t broad, but in fact came with very specific instructions down to every single detail. Noah wasn’t instructed to build a big boat however he saw fit, but there was a blueprint that God had that was connected to His voice. There will be challenges and opposition when we commit to hearing His voice. For instance, God asked Noah to build an ark at an inconvenient time, in a way that didn’t make sense, and even brought ridicule from the public, yet Noah obeyed. As we look to God in these uncertain times, we are certain that He will speak and when He does, we want to obey like Noah. We want to obey like Jesus.
For now, we are in the midst of making resources available to everyone such as our sessions from last year’s conference on podcast. Also we want to encourage people to read the Word of God together during this time as well (here is the link to sign up). Lastly we feel called to rally the region together to pray for breakthrough and healing of the coronavirus (link to come). We will continue to seek God and pray and hear His voice, and will continue to do only what He tells us to do. It is so urgent that we are not in a rush! It is daunting, but we are trusting in the Lord. These moments feel dark, but light will shine. Revival is still on its way. May you too be encouraged in this time to receive a blueprint from Heaven.
Much love to you all! We are praying for you.