Letter #8 - Philippians 3:12-21
by Lindsay Phillips
My neurons ran wild when the COVID-19 pandemic began. “Lord, why are we going through this? Why am I the only one leaving my home? Why am I the only one driving on the road? Why am I the only one walking on the sidewalks? Why am I the only one riding the bus? Why am I the only one not staying at home? Why am I the only one putting my safety and health at risk?” Why, why, why flooded my brain as freedom and privilege felt like a cell of isolation as I commuted to and from my job in what felt like a pre-apocalypse.
To clarify, I’m a healthcare worker. As our country cocooned in what, to me, felt like peaceful comfort and safety at home, my routine was drastically complex and taxing. I mean, a “lockdown” for those staying at home only meant relaxing and watching Netflix while wiping the Internet shelves of Amazon clean and making sure an adequate supply of toilet paper, hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes and face masks were purchased, right?
Were my initial feelings understandable? Yes.
Were they reality? Absolutely not.
I decided to remove my blind fold, refocus with a fresh pair of eyes, and attempt to slip into the shoes of what others were enduring. Not being able to be at family member bedsides as loved ones passed away, the inability to attend funerals, or worry for a friend with COVID-19. Seeing pregnant women in isolation arriving for their doctor visits alone, patients unable to pay for prescriptions, surgical procedure cancellations, single parents who no longer have funds to provide for their children, delays of airline travel, postponements of planned milestones and ceremonies, demise of what were once flourishing businesses, academic institutions and systems shutting down, parents learning how to homeschool, students adjusting to learning online, fitness studio and sport stadium closures, athletes who can no longer play, families who are now homeless, the void of a warm embrace, hug, handshake or smile, the list goes on and on and on.
In discomfort, our feelings take over. As questions increase and we are challenged, Satan wants us to feel isolated by our circumstances and diminish our faith. Satan works to use our uncertainty and lack of control to his advantage in hopes to weaken our relationship with Christ. If we allow Satan to accomplish his goal, how will we fulfill the purposes our lives were created for?
Try to imagine what it was like for Paul. He too might have felt like the “only one” going through something. Paul remained resilient and used his placement in a cell for purpose regardless of the chains which held him heavy. To our eyes, Paul’s state might have looked hopeless, but no. The Lord perfectly positioned Paul intending him to experience renewed reality and hope so that Paul would fulfill his purpose. Paul was no longer blind and he kept his eyes fixed on the Lord’s mission. Paul persevered through the finish line of his race and won the ultimate prize which awaited him in Heaven.
Paul’s confidence in the message of the cross sustained him.
The first COVID-19 patient was admitted where I work on March 5th, 2020. I knew then that like Paul, I needed to allow my confidence in the cross to sustain me too. My feelings of frustration decreased and the reality of why I hold my position in healthcare set in. It is at the hospital where doors of opportunity have opened to pray with my colleagues. My role has allowed me to share the gospel message of Jesus and the hope He brings to our patients and their families. Here I have remained in the presence of people, kept my income, received support from others, experienced time outdoors, and been humbled while seeing the good that dwells within the hearts of people and the world. The Lord proved to me that in Him we are courageous, and it is not our circumstance that defines us but who we are in Christ that defines our circumstance.
While case by case our scenarios in “lockdown” are disheartening, the great news is that for every situation, God is at the center and on the move in every single one. John 16:33 tells us that in this world we will have trouble but take heart, the Lord has overcome the world. Our battle may feel unbearable, but the Lord equips us with His mighty belt of truth and spiritual armor which the book of Ephesians teaches us. God fights for us, is on our side and with Jesus we will always win.
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for the miracle you give us which is life here on earth. As your sons and daughters, we are grateful to put our feet on the floor as we wake and walk in your love. Lord, we hold you up over our lives. Lord, You stand for us amid our circumstances and remind us that through the storms we are never alone. You plant our roots deep within your rich soil and hold us steadfast like a tree tossed and challenged by rain and wind. Your plans are to prosper us, and we choose to trust in you. Thank you for carrying our burdens. You hold every hurt we endure in the palm of your hands. You care deeply for us, you remove our worry and allow us to cast our anxiety on you. Lord, we declare the presence and power of your Holy Spirit to fill us. With you, we bind Satan and break free from his tactics in our minds and in our lives. We proclaim that darkness be overcome with your light and truth. Thank you for the home you promise which is heaven. We are conquerors in Christ and like Paul, will persevere over the hurdles along our path for your mission to be accomplished through us. Lord your peace surpasses all understanding. In your peace, we will be still and know that you are God. Let the cross be our foundation, we desire to be brave and bold in the advancement of your gospel message bringing hope, love, healing and restoration to your children and to this world. Lord, we look to you first in all things. Encourage us to fight the good fight, keep the faith and run our race for your glory until the coming day where we cross our finish line and meet you at your throne, face to face. We are in awe of your redemptive power, we believe in you, we love you, we praise you, we honor you, we thank you, in the precious and almighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Reminders
“Forget what is behind us and strain toward what is ahead.” -Philippians 3:13
“Press on toward the goal to win the prize which God calls us.” -Philippians 3:14
“Live up to what we have already attained.” -Philippians 3:16
“Join with one another and follow Paul’s example.” -Philippians 3:17
“Our citizenship is in heaven.” -Philippians 3:20
Reflection Questions
What are you grateful for?
What has this season taught you?
Where have you experienced God move?
What new perspectives have you gained?
Are you finding strength in yourself or Christ?
Are you looking at your circumstances or Christ?
Are you using your position to advance the gospel?
Are you focused on earthly rewards or heavenly ones?
Do you believe in the unconditional love the Lord holds for you?
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior?
How may Centerpointe Church support you along your walk with the Lord?
