Disciples of Jesus constantly faced persecution in the Bible. In fact, it got so bad many of the disciples had to leave Jerusalem. "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria". (Acts 8:1). Rather than stopping the spread of the Gospel, this leaving Jerusalem served as a catalyst to spread the Gospel even further. "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." (Acts 8:4). Without a doubt, that persecution had a purpose.
There's purpose in this pandemic today as well. Disciples of Christ don't have to be stagnant and wait for the doors of the church to reopen. Social media, blogs, and podcasts serve as modern ways to continue to be "about the Father's business." Disciples are coming up with new ways of sharing the Good News. Many believers are thriving even in the midst of this pandemic. You see, the Holy Spirit doesn't stop moving. He continues to give creative ideas and strategies to those who have a desire to lift up the name of Jesus. Has He whispered something in your ear lately?
Surely this pandemic has caused you to go deeper into prayer. Perhaps it caused you to seek God through fasting and spending more time in His word. Maybe it has allowed you to meditate on scriptures and be still in His presence. I surely hope it has caused you to worship and praise Him more. I know it has definitely made me sing a little louder.
I believe that initially during this pandemic, God was causing believers to rest and wait on Him. It was a season of preparation, and a time to seek His will. It was a time of faith-building and relying on Him for provision and protection. Even though it seems like this pandemic continues to rage on, this season won't last forever. God wants you to be productive in this pandemic. This kind of productivity, however, is not one of self-sufficiency, but one of God-dependency. It is not the type of productivity that seeks to serve self, but one that seeks to serve others.
I know that many of you have gotten caught up in the political climate and upcoming election. Others have become entangled in the news about the virus and ongoing protests. While God certainly cares about justice and righteousness, I can assure you those things are just a distraction from the purpose that God has for your life. As a disciple of Christ, take some time to refocus. Get in a quiet place and ask God to reveal your purpose during this pandemic. And, then follow the prompting of the Holy Ghost. His desire is for you to be fruitful for the Kingdom and His return.
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