Dear First Pres,
It’s starting to happen more and more. For a long time, many of us have been personally disconnected from COVID-19, but more and more, it’s becoming a lot more personal. In my men’s prayer group last night, we prayed for a mom and a brother-in-law who both are battling the disease. We prayed for a coworker whose dad just succumbed to this disease. In the weeks prior to that we were praying for some good friends who were in the fight for their lives against COVID-19. And, as expected, there have been some confirmed cases in the life of our own congregation. Slowly, but surely (it seems) we are becoming more personally acquainted with this insidious and persistent disease.
Now, I don’t mention that to stir fear. Fear is not the answer. We do not need to live in fear, for the Lord is with us. He is our stronghold. As the psalmist writes, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” (Psalm 46:1-2a). Fear isn’t going to make things better.
But the fruit of the Spirit will. What does it mean to approach this pandemic or live in these times with the fruit of the Spirit growing in our lives and being expressed through our lives? In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” For me, of late, I’ve really needed God’s patience.
This morning, as I was asking the Lord to mercifully end this pandemic, the Spirit reminded me that God will end it in His time (which I’m praying will be soon). But until then, the Spirit reminded me, God is at work in the midst of this disease to fulfill His purposes, and I’m invited to participate in that work. Hearing that immediately put me into a mode of repentance. “Father, forgive me for my lack of patience. Forgive me for my resentment about all the trouble this disease has caused me. Forgive my selfishness for just wanting things to be comfy for me again. Forgive me for my hardness of heart that has become calloused to the news of those suffering and dying. Forgive me for disconnecting from the reality that You have called me to be a witness of the Gospel, right now.” It was a good reset for me. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for Your gracious work in my life.
What particular element of the Holy Spirit’s fruit do you need today? Remember, we grow in His fruitfulness as we increasingly surrender all of life to His empowering presence and the Lordship of Jesus.
Today, as the pandemic persists and as election results divide, may the Holy Spirit work in and through FPC Fresno (that’s you) to bear His fruit.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeremy
P.S. A special thanks this week to all of our veterans and active military. I am grateful for your service.
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