Ask This:
If you could close your eyes right now and then open them and be anywhere in the world, happy and relaxed, where would it be? Why did you choose that place? What would you be doing?
Say This:
When we find ourselves in stressful situations like we’re in right now with the Coronavirus, we tend to long for places that will help us remove that stress. We also tend to ask some hard questions like “Where is God?” or “Why did God allow this to happen?”.
Say This:
We must remember that God never told us that we would be free from trouble. In fact, in John 16:33 Jesus said “In this world you will have trouble.” As believers, when we see and experience suffering in our lives it is important that we remember two things:
The suffering and pain of this world is only temporary when compared to eternity. Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
God has a perfect plan for all things, and the suffering we see is only part of that plan. Listen to how the Bible explains this truth in 1 Corinthians 13:12: “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. “(NLT)
Ask This
What are some things that you have seen on TV that have frightened you?
What’s hard for you to understand right now?
What is your main concern at this moment?
What are some ways that we have seen God work through that situation?
Say This
Romans 12:21 tells us, “Don’t let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good.” One way we can overcome the stress of what’s going on today is by finding ways to “do good.”
Try This
Think of someone in your life who is facing some difficult circumstances. (family member, teacher, neighbor, etc.) Have your family write some notes or draw pictures to encouraging them. Try to include the verses above. Pick a time to drop them off as a family, and take the family for a treat afterwards. You could also FaceTime with them to encourage them with your smiles.
Pray This
Dear God, we don’t always understand why you allow certain things to happen, and sometimes find ourselves asking “Why.” Remind our family of all the ways you have blessed us, and that you are always faithful. Help us remember that although we will experience times of trouble, these are only temporary and are part of your perfect plan. Help us to be aware of people around of us who are hurting, and show us ways that we can encourage them. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.