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My wife and I were in Israel when the Coronavirus impact began in our community. We had an adventure ourselves trying to get back into the Springfield area.
When we came back, we had few supplies or staples in our house. In fact, I think my children were house-invading while Barbara and I were gone – taking our toilet paper!
First thing … the morning after our late-night return … we went to Kroger to get some needed necessities. I went to the toilet paper aisle and experienced one of the great disappointments of my life.
Not one package or roll of toilet paper available. Springfield, I have been a pastor and served this community for 49 years – why didn’t you leave me a roll of toilet paper?
We survived.
As I stood in that empty aisle, I had the following thought, “What does Springfield really need now more than toilet paper?” “What does Pastor Grant need now more than toilet paper?”
Five things:
- Connect with Someone. While walking the aisles of Kroger, I ran into a lady from my church. She said, “I know we have to cancel church but that is my place where I connect with others.” I can’t ask someone to connect with you, but I can ask you to text, call, or e-mail someone that you know may appreciate a conversation.
- Pray. The Apostle Paul writes that our battle is not ultimately against flesh and blood but against “principalities and powers” in the spiritual realm (Ephesians 6:12). Great prayers are asked in difficult times. Pray for blessing in Springfield and through Springfield the world. Pray the following right now …
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- God give our community peace. Allow families to re-connect.
- Bless our business community. Let us support them.
- We ask for a supernatural intervention with the Coronavirus and healing for anyone who is sick. We pray for Italy, for Spain, for Russia, for China and all countries who are dealing with this virus.
- Allow me to have faith!
- Rejoice! James 1.2 says, “Consider it joy when you encounter difficulties.” Acts of faith come from joy. Determine to be a person of joy and not fear in the next few weeks. Again, faith grows from joy! My challenge to you: every time that you sense fear creeping into your mind say, “I’m going to rejoice because God will work this to His good.” (Romans 8:28 & Philippians 4:4-7)
- Take a step of Faith. Faith means having fun. It is the opposite of fear. Fear leads to withdrawal from others, from God and even from your calling. What can you do during this time of social distancing? I’m up early every re-acquiring blogging. This is my first! If you read this send me words of encouragement!!! You can read a book, take an online course – anything to invest in your future.
- Restore a Relationship. The last verses of the OT read that in the last days the Lord will restore families. (Malachi 4:4-6) Many relationships have been victimized by busyness. We have become so busy that we don’t have time for God or others. Even when we are with ‘others’ the tiredness from being busy swamps any meaningful conversation. A starting point would be to have Family devotions. There are a lot of ideas on the Fellowship Church website.
I love you and will pray for anyone who sends me a prayer request at edwards@fellowshipchristian.org
Remember caution in faith not caution in fear! And please, leave me some toilet paper!
Awesome and timely message, brother! Thanks for your encouragement. This is indeed a golden opportunity for the church. A heart-check.
Oh, and Rom. 8:28 is my favorite verse.
Thanks, Grant. It’s a little discouraging at times to see folks trying to blame various groups for this crisis, when blame gets us nowhere. On the other hand, it’s been fun to see how creative folks have been as they encourage others. Our neighborhood has had 2 scavenger hunts for the kids, encouraged those with musical talents (more or less ?) to perform porch concerts. A Social Distancing Lunch with the Painted Pepper is also planned. There are other things that are such a blessing.
Thank you for your message. I needed it today. Praying everyday for you, Barb, and our church family. So glad you made it back safely. Prayers were answered. God bless all!
Pray for: Aaron, his wife Adrianna, and son Carter. They are separated. Satan is hard at work.
Great job, Grant!! I can just hear you speaking as I read the words!! Keep on blogging. Springfield is desperate for the hope that only Jesus provides! God bless you!!!
Pastor Grant, we have plenty of TP. If you are in need, stop by and we will be glad to share. We are not hoarders, but had some, and bought a package before things got totally crazy!
Pastor Grant, I appreciate your uplifting scriptures and suggestions. I also have been calling people I don’t normally have time to. And FaceTiming with the grandchildren. Lila has her own take on all of this. I think you also referenced Psalm 20. ?. The other OG. Other Grandma
Thanks Grant ! We enjoyed watching the live stream Sunday and appreciate your post here.
First. Pastor Grant, welcome home. If you need some TP, we’d be happy to bring you some. Second. Thank you for these wonderful words. The whole world has gone crazy. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. Glad you’re back safely.
Thank you Grant. I’m so glad you all made it back safely. God bless you. Would you please pray for my mother? She was at Brookstone until yesterday. She had a fever of 101.5 and was very congested. They sent her to the ER. She’s been admitted to the hospital, and she’s in isolation. They have to treat everyone as if they have Covid 19. She’s 92 and very ill.
Thanks,
Catie
Thank you for the words of encouragement! Also thanks for sharing pictures of your trip to Israel. Praying all is well with your family. We know God has a plan for all this, but we do not see it. He has us in the palm of His hand ??. Praying for our country and others! May God Bless and Take Care?????
Thank you, Pastor Grant!
Grant, good thoughts for our time. Glad to hear you’re home safely. I’d send you some toilet paper, but the stores probably have restocked by now. You and Barb are never far from my thoughts. Love you guys! ~ Kathy Everhart
Grant, so glad you and Barb are back safely. If you need a little extra TO we have a couple of rolls! Lol. Loved your sharing of the 5 things we need here more than TP. Amen to that! Keep it going. Always enjoy the thoughts and spiritual uplifting from my long time good friend. Dan