The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted people's dreams and also exposed the true face of this generation: no orientation, no purpose and blind pursuit of material satisfaction. As Christians, we aren’t supposed to get lost in following the world as in "YOU JUMP, I JUMP"; nor are we supposed to stand above judgmentally above this generation and brag about our own self-righteousness. We should do what God wants us to do – to allow ourselves to be shaped by God and bring benefit to others.
Take heart, God knows it all!
Many people are weak in this long battle. It’s understandable because we are all human beings. Even the Apostle Peter, who was chosen by Jesus Christ, denied Jesus three times when Jesus was most in need of a companionship. Of course, Jesus did not blame him because this was within God's expectation (which Jesus had clearly told Peter before the crucifixion). Later Peter really came to know himself. So there is no perfect person as such. Don't expect yourself to be free of weakness because the Apostle Paul testified to us that we are blessed. His testimony was that he became strong when he was weak because of God. Thus, if a person is not weak, he doesn’t need God, but the truth is that there is no one who doesn’t need God.
Relax, God has a promise!
Many people come up with new doubts about relying on the Lord, which is easy to say. However, in a harsh situation there is no strength for them to seek God, not to mention moving beyond the situation. Jesus said blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. This is what Jesus said himself so no matter what kind of environment you are in, bring your pain to His throne and you will be comforted. This is God's promise to His people. Simply hold on to it.
In today's generation, Christians in different countries have to face different environments, but it is important to believe that God is shaping every one of us in order to train us to be His precious instruments. We can tell from historical records the situation faced by the Apostles in 100 A.D.: after the Christ gloriously rose to Heaven His followers went astray, forgetting the Lord's mission, "go to the ends of the earth". They went back to their own daily lives as if nothing had happened (really as exactly the same as now). However, God did not forget men in that He raised them through environments to achieve His good purpose for mankind. How would God use those Apostles who were so weak and limited as they were basically uncultured?
Behold, God has a plan!
Then they remembered the Lord Jesus' instruction, "Don't leave Jerusalem" and "wait for the fulfillment of God's promise," and now we know that it is the Holy Spirit that gives wisdom and brings revelation.
Whatever we do, know that we are doing it for God and do our best to honor Him. Even if you were in a full-time ministry for the Lord, you’d work in vain if it was without the work of the Holy Spirit. God told us, "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127:1) "So he said to me, 'This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the LORD Almighty." (Zechariah4:6) Like the Apostles when they were praying urgently at the Marco House to wait for the one that God had promised, we can see that they received power from the Holy Spirit. Thousands of people repented. Surely miracles aren’t limited to this. Was that the only power they received? No, the most important power they received was to change themselves. Apparently, they were weak before the Holy Spirit was given them. Then they were empowered to work for the Lord.
So since God has given the Holy Spirit we just need to follow Him closely.
We are particularly blessed in the New Testament Age. The moment when we believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives within us. However, here the pouring out of the Holy Spirit means that the Holy Spirit is full in us that we are no longer acting by ourselves but under His guidance. When we are willing to open our hearts, humble ourselves, and ask for Him like a deer thirst for water, it is easy for us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul also instructed us not to "get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18) He knew that this was necessary for those who truly followed the Lord.
Therefore, a willing person who follows God can’t only rely on a rational mind to speculate on God's intention or to serve this generation, but rather needs the strength to consider God's will through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, in the face of weakness, do not fear to lose your courage and keenness in Christ neither rely on your own limited strength and intelligence to overcome your weakness. Rather, come to God's presence to ask for mercy and ask the Lord to send the Holy Spirit to fill you in order to truly become strong.
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
- Translated by Charlie Li
