Have ever been waiting by the phone to receive some sort of news? Anticipating…grabbing the phone on the first ring? That has been my life for the last four to five days. Last week we had two diagnosed with COVID in the family and shortly thereafter I started having symptoms as well. Before you know it, like wildfire it seemed that the whole family was feeling sick…all but one, Ryland.
I isolated myself to sleeping in my office at home, waiting to hear the official news. Being immunocompromised, this was very concerning for me and my family. Everyone had received their test results but me…so I waited…isolated…checked online…nothing. Everyday for five days. I woke up to a very cold office and did not want to exit the warm covers to check for my COVID status. “They are probably not there…they surely would have called me of it is positive”, were just a few thoughts to grace my morning. But I made myself open my computer and check… “A new message concerning COVID results”. I opened it and just as we all thought POSTIVE.
In some way, I was relieved just to know the answer. I can now enter with the rest of the family. I know this is a long story but what else am I going to do but talk to you. Days of fever, chills, body aches… No taste, no smell, no energy. But God is still at work! Even when the body gives way the spirit can still thrive! Listen to what the Apostle Paul says…
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day”. 2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV)
I can honestly say that the last few days have been an inner renewal as I learn to listen and wait upon the Lord in fresh ways. I do not want to waste my COVID trial. If you find yourself facing a trial or test in your own life, do not despair or give up. Run to the Savior, ask Him to help you, show you, and teach you His ways. Rejoice, that you are counted worthy to suffer in some way for Him!
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:2–5 (ESV)
I love you church family and cannot wait to be with you soon…well not too soon. Continue to pray for our recovery!