Say This
In March 2020, our lives changed forever and at the time we probably didn’t even realize it. In January 2020 we heard whispers of the Corona virus causing serious issues in other parts of the world, and had even heard of a few isolated cases in the United States. By February, some international travel began to be limited, and by March the President had declared Covid-19 a national emergency. Sporting events and concerts began to be cancelled, schools and workplaces were closed, and by mid March the entire country had been asked to stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We were in a lockdown. This was a hard time for our family, but there were also some unexpected blessings that resulted from our time at home together. Here’s a funny look at how we might have looked during the lockdown…
Watch This
Ask This
- What are some of your favorite memories from our family’s lockdown?
- What were some of the most challenging things you remember about that time?
Say This
Sometimes God allows us to go through difficult times so that He can teach us, and bring blessings to our lives. Perhaps the greatest Biblical example of this is the life of Joseph. Joseph was sold into Egyptian slavery by his brothers. He had earned his master’s trust, but was wrongfully accused and put into prison. Joseph was given the ability to interpret dreams, which could have been his way out of jail. Sadly, the man who should have spoken for Joseph’s freedom forgot about him for two years. Joseph’s circumstances seemed hopeless, but God was about to richly bless Joseph, and use him in a mighty way.
Read This
Genesis 41:15-16, 41:39-41, 50:15, 50:19-20
Say This
Although Joseph experienced some very difficult times, God ultimately showered Joseph with blessings, and used Him to save countless lives. Our family has never faced a global famine (lack of food) like Joseph, but we have faced a global pandemic. We will remember this time for the rest of our lives. While we may never want to go back into a lockdown, we should never forget God’s faithfulness and unexpected blessings during this difficult year.
Ask This
- What were some things our family did better during the lockdown? (Examples might be spending more time together, cooking more meals at home and eating together more often, taking walks, having family prayer/devotional times, etc.)
- How did the lockdown impact the relationships within our family?
- What are some ways we could add/keep some of these things back into our family now that things are slowly getting back to normal?
- n spite of the challenges of Covid-19, what are some ways we have seen God bless us over the last year?
Pray This
Dear God, we are grateful for your love and protection over the last year. We admit that things like Covid-19 can be scary, and hard to understand. We know life can be hard, but we are grateful that you are always in control, and that you are always working to bring blessings to our lives. We ask that you would comfort those who have lost family members because of this terrible virus. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Try This
Take a week to read through the life of Joseph with your family. It will only take 10 minutes of a day, and it will start some great conversations on topics such as pride, jealousy, resisting temptation, wisdom, bitterness and forgiveness.
- Day 1: Genesis 37
- Day 2: Genesis 39
- Day 3: Genesis 40-41
- Day 4: Genesis 42-43
- Day 5: Genesis 44-45