As our days of physical distancing continue, for who knows how long, I’ve experienced a restlessness in my spirit. While talking to Jesus, I’ve been asking the question: ‘what is this pandemic exposing in me that I need to address?’ I started a list and it’s growing.
Yesterday, author Alicia Chole, shared these thoughts on her social media accounts and her words resonated so deeply in my heart. I’m sharing them with you because, well, maybe they’ll cause you to pause and reflect like they have me.
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Today, a dear friend asked me what I was sensing in this crisis. God did not cause this but He will not waste it. My heart is filled with anticipation of a healthier Church emerging from these troubled days. Though I cannot speak of the global Church, here is what I hope for in the Western Church.
I HOPE THAT THIS CRISIS WILL…
awaken our hearts to the sacred.
loosen our attachment to the shiny.
jolt us into new respect for freedom.
transition our faith in faith to faith in God.
inspire gratitude in us for the simple and small.
remind us that Jesus is our Source, not our servant.
expose any wealthy worries as the thorny fruit of privilege.
unmask entertainment that has been masquerading as discipleship.
redefine “contentment” with more sustainable (and attainable) ingredients.
burn off unhealthy fat that has collected around (and weighed down) our faith.
empower us to never again mistake abundance for obedience or emotion for devotion.
shock us with our spiritual shallowness and drive us anew to the depth of God’s Word.
reveal anything that–though it may “sell” well in Western Christianity–isn’t strong enough to stand on.
wean us from the noise inherent to prosperity and give us ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.”
Take heart, friends. While our daily lives feel limited during this pandemic, there’s nothing that can limit the deep, purifying and strengthening work of God in our hearts. Lean into Him.
– An award-winning writer, Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s messages address both head and heart and are often described as grace-filled surgeries. Alicia is a speaker, author, and leadership mentor who enjoys thunderstorms, jalapenos, and honest questions.
You can find her books, Anonymous, The Sacred Slow, and 40 Days of Decrease here.
