What’s Happening To Us?

What’s Happening To Us? The convergence of several crises such as we have dealt with in recent years can create a sense of upheaval and bewilderment. At the beginning of this century’s third decade, America’s economy was booming. Unemployment rates were low, the lowest ever in several minority sectors. The usual political rancor and vindictive rhetoric of Washington D.C. continued to dominate the media in anticipation of November’s national elections. But, despite the deep political and value-based divisions, our country seemed to be doing pretty well. Most of us had no clue what was about to hit us.

A SARS virus, commonly called Covid-19, discovered in late 2019 in China, made its way to the United States and almost 180 other countries by early 2020. Confusion reigned concerning the virus’s strength, how it spread, and the steps needed to mitigate its potential effect. Responses made at the national, and some state and local levels were considered by many as an overreaction that inflicted death to many elderly, unnecessary damage to the economy, and interrupted our children’s education. Children were forced to remote learning for months without seeing their classmates or inside a classroom. Life as we knew it was drastically altered by “lockdowns,” imposed by governors, mayors, school administrators, and teachers unions. 

At the time of this writing, we have also been hit by the Delta strain and are now experiencing the Omicron variant. We are in the third year of this virus and are wearied by it and other serious national issues.

We seem to be adjusting somewhat to the fact that the virus is part of daily living but there are other serious matters we that need to be addressed. The southern boarder continues to be flooded with immigrants coming in illegally, drug traffic is also a major issue, and then there is inflation that is the worst it has been in decades. We have a real mess on our hands and there doesn’t seem to be anyone in charge who knows how to fix it. 

In addition to all this stuff I have just mentioned, many of us have experienced the personal loss of a loved one, illness, job loss, or financial strain. Where is our hope?

You may have been among the multitudes who hoped the arrival of January 1, 2022 would somehow usher in a sense of optimism and healing, a cessation of our troubles, and a return to “normalcy.” What happened? A change in calendar hasn’t fixed it.

The book of James tells us that problems can serve the purpose of helping us develop good character. What he says in chapter 1: 2-3 is a bit hard to swallow and digest: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” God’s people should be growing exponentially if we are taking James’ words seriously. Is God trying to prepare us for something else?

While it is painful to look back at these personal and national tragedies, we must learn from them and move ahead. Will our nation become more united as a result of our shared suffering? Will you and I learn vital lessons and grow from our experiences?  

Events such as these serve to remind us that we are often on the thin edge between life and death. The pandemic and other crises underscore how unpredictable life can be.

What’s happening to us is overwhelming, isn’t it?

We are in trouble, trouble to the depths most of us have never experienced. There is only one hope. Surely we know by now that hope doesn’t reside in Washington, D.C. Why is God allowing all this to happen to us? Maybe we’re reaping the stupidity and sin our nation has been sowing for many years. Maybe God is also inviting us to repent and be healed. How far does our nation have to slide into ruination before we come to our senses?  Join with me and pray daily for our nation. God tells us He will save us if we repent, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked way, then I will forgive their sins and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.  

Join me as I pray daily for the healing of our country and the restoration of goodness, sanity, and commonsense. Here is a prayer you may want to copy for use as you pray.

http://pentecostwalk.org/national-prayer-of-repentance

Jesus is our personal hope and the hope of this nation we love. https://www.cosdavis.com/jesus-hope-of-the-world/

What’s happening to us ? While the answer is important, how we respond is of ultimate importance. Our choices matter and how you and I respond to what’s happening to us es will make us better or bitter. I choose better, I hope you will also.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost

https://sites.psu.edu/mgeppingerpassionblog/2015/09/10/two-roads-diverged-in-a-yellow-wood/