New Normal

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” – Isaiah 43:18-21

COVID-19 has been a tremendously disruptive force in our society over the past several months. Its impact has been felt in every facet of our lives, and the effects will be long-lasting if not permanent. This has led many to describe the changes we’ve had to make in this post-COVID era as the “New Normal.” I don’t know about you, but I cringe every time I hear someone utter those words. This is not because I am living in denial. I understand the need for the changes we’re making. I just choose to be optimistic in my view that these things are temporary; here for a period of time until the virus is controlled and we can go back to the “Old Normal,” also known as normal.

I hope I am not sounding like one of those stereotypical grumpy old people who constantly hearken back to the good old days. I just don’t want to see fear take from us things that we as a human race have shared for generations. For centuries, times of difficulty have brought people together to seek help, offer comfort and to find a solution. The direction now is to go the opposite way, to separate, isolate, and build boundaries between ourselves and others in the name of safety. Again, I understand the need to practice social distancing, to wear masks, and to follow strict guidelines for hygiene and sanitization. I just wonder how many of these current necessities will become ongoing practices which could in time weaken communities by making us fearful of everyone around us.

As a body of believers, we have been directed by God to come together in every circumstance that we might share in one another’s joys and sorrows. In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul reminds us of the importance of our Christian communities as he says, “…let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). As we make our way through this season, let us remember that it is just that – a season which had a beginning and will most definitely have an end. Cling to this knowledge. It will not only help to see you through the difficulties of the day, but it will reassure you of the hope that is to come in the days when this pandemic is behind us.

Furthermore, we need not rely solely upon the government, medical experts, or our own intuition to see us through these days. God the Father, the Creator of the Universe, continues to keep His promise to always be with us because of His great love for us. In Him we have the assurance that our needs will be met. Consider the words of Isaiah 43. God tells us that we need not hold onto the certainty of the past, nor should we fear the future because He is here. So, as we stand in the wilderness of this pandemic, mindful of what is happening and uncertain of what is to come, we need not fear. God has provided “a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Nothing has been overlooked or forgotten because He knows what we need and gives it to us at the proper time. Fear is replaced with a sense of peace; frustrations are abandoned and we are filled with an expectation of the goodness that only comes from our Heavenly Father. We will see the end of this pandemic because of the love of the God. Similarly, we will see the end of the pandemic of sin in which we have lived since Adam’s fall through God’s grace and the redemptive work of His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May God continue to bless you, your family, and your ministry work with the reassurance of His presence and the victory His grace has provided to us all. It is my prayer that in these difficult days, God will continue to use us to build His kingdom until we are fully restored and adapting to the “New Normal” of heaven.

Devotion by Richard Schumacher

LSEM Director of Programs & Services