Processing the Pandemic

⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ⁸ Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

From a Pastor’s heart ‘we need a corporate processing of the pandemic.’

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a traumatic event. Why do we have to process the event?

• Fight against sameness (pre-pandemic). Acknowledge that things are naturally and spiritually different.
• Follow the current instruction. God has a ‘now’ plan for our lives.
• Find new paths. Things can be used differently or re-purpose. God will bring new ways and people to do ministry.

Seasons in ministry/lives we may have gone through during the pandemic:

A disconnected season – connections may be detached, severed or terminated

A dry season – devoid of water, and continued fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

A draining season – depleted by the tasks and the people.

A drudgery season – work becomes hard and menial.

A drama-filled season – lots of things are going on.

A dreary season – lifeless and depressing.

A drafty season – people and work are cold and uncomfortable.

A dragging season – dragging and ourselves emotionally.

With everything we’ve experienced, how do we make it? 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 gives us 3 life-giving truths.

• God’s grace is sufficient (God’s manifested graciousness and charm is more than adequate in quantity and quality).

• God’s strength is made perfect (God’s ability to influence and bring everything under control is made perfect in my weakness).

• When I am weak then I am strong (in my deficiency and lack, then I am strong).