Locked Down But Not Out

As coronavirus cases surge throughout the world like a tsunami, many of us may feel like we are drowning in the waves of fear, financial crises, illnesses, isolation and so much more. A number of people are submerged in depression, wondering when they will ever get their heads above water.

Nonetheless, there is an antidote for feeling down and that is looking up. We must fix our gaze on Jesus and His goodness in spite of all that is going on around us. Apostle Paul understood this and so even when he was imprisoned, he was always giving thanks to the Lord and keeping Him in focus. He was rejoicing in his affliction and giving praise to God. He didn’t stop petitioning the Lord, but he did it with thanksgiving. He knew be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6) Yes, the apostle was experiencing great tribulations, but he did not have faltering faith, so his spirit triumphed in the midst of persecution.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

The truth is no matter what fiery darts the enemy targets at us, or whatever uncertainties life brings, when we are in Christ, we will not be crushed. Though things may seem confusing, we won’t be left in despair. And when the devil comes like a prowling lion seeking whom to devour, we will not be destroyed. Paul knew this, so he could rejoice always. What the devil meant for evil, God turns it around for good. Paul was locked in, but that offered a great opportunity for him to pen most of the epistles in the New Testament. His imprisonment enabled him free time to write words that would impact generations after and help them have a deeper relationship with Christ.

We don’t want to miss what God is doing during this time. It may be challenging, but it is also a period of new possibilities. God is giving us different strategies to reach the world and to succeed in Him. Let us not forget though that the world’s success is not the same as success in God’s eyes. Our Heavenly Father looks to us to bear good fruit and to reflect His image. Therefore, He will prune us with harsh circumstances, even COVID-19, to enable us to be more fruitful. And the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23) We must recognize that if we are not developing this fruit then we must cling closer to the Vine, who is Jesus, during this pruning season as the Gardener, God, wants us to live abundant lives and He will use the effects of the coronavirus to get us in shape.

Have you ever seen how after a storm passes through and cuts off limbs from trees, how they grow back more lush? The storm isn’t meant to uproot you, but to prune you to be the best that God created you to be. However, you can only stand firm if you are rooted in Him. The deeper you are planted in Christ, then even the strongest winds will not topple you over. As they blow, be flexible in Him. Move with Him. You may bend, but you won’t break.

So, let us embrace this time of lock down, knowing we are not locked out if our eyes are locked on Jesus. We are not locked out of God’s blessings. COVID-19 cannot stop God from fulfilling His promises and purposes in our lives. Actually, He may use the virus as the vehicle for our victory. Don’t have a breakdown, because this may be the time for your breakthrough. Rejoice in the Lord because ironically, your time of lock down may be your time to breakout into the land He has for you.