aving journeyed through the uncharted territory of COVID-19 for the past three months, many of us have witnessed the changes in our nation and felt the uncertainty of the times.  Added to COVID-19 our nation is dealing with the horrid effects of racism and division.  I find myself asking, “What next?”  However, as believers we need to focus on the certainties that we have in this life.  Certainties?  Yes there are some “unchangeables” in a changing world.  The Lord speaks through the prophet Malachi in Malachi 3:8  “For I am the Lord, I do not change . . .”  Hebrews 13:8 says of Jesus, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  While it has been said the only thing that doesn’t change is change itself, you and I can rest in the certainty of our unchanging God and unfailing Lord.  With these two certainties in mind, I want to answer the important question:  “What are we to do in these tough times?”

First, our mission remains the same.  The storms of life do not change the church’s and individual believer’s mission.  Mark 16:15 says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”  Stay after the Lost.  I once read, “Only two things have ever affected the mankind:  the fall and grace.”  Man is broken and hurting because of the fall.  However, grace came to us through Jesus and His death on the cross.  The grace of God through His Son’s redemptive blood is the only answer for man.  Preach Jesus.  Live Jesus.  Love like Jesus. 

Second, our message remains the same.  Recently one of my heroes, Ravi Zacharias, passed away.  I loved Ravi because he so calmly and confidently proclaimed Jesus across this world as a apologist to so many who didn’t believe in Jesus.  Ravi was a modern day Paul at Athens.  While I am not near as intelligent as Ravi Zacharias, I do have the same message.  JESUS!  Jesus, He is hope for the hopeless.  Jesus, He is light for those in darkness.  Jesus, He is healing for the hurting.  Just share Jesus. 

And finally, the source of our power is the same – the Holy Spirit.  Acts 1:8 (NKJ) “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me . . .”  This Holy Spirit power is available for every believer to share the message and see lives transformed. 

You know I have been wrecked because we didn’t get to have camp meeting, youth camp, and General Assembly this summers.  However, the cancellation of those events haven’t changed my mission, my message, and the source of my power.  Let’s engage this hurting world with a living Christ!  God bless you!