What Do You Do Now?

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” 

Ephesians 5:15-17

I wrote a devotional in March called “Time, a Precious Resource.” This blog post is a repeat of that idea, but I am writing this in September of 2020. For most of this year, much of the world has been on lockdown at some stage or another because of the COVID-19 pandemic. What was going to be a two week shutdown in the United States has grown into something that no one could have possibly predicted – closing of schools, churches and businesses for months. There still is no end in sight – for Americans and for many others worldwide.

Everyone was caught by surprise by this pandemic, but all of us have still had the same amount of time that we would have had even if the pandemic had not occurred. Along with some of my friends who commented that they wish they had used this time to…write, work on a project or learn a new skill, I know I could have used this time more wisely. Understandably, because the virus may have affected someone you know or you lost a job or a business, you may simply feel that time has frozen for you. All of us continue to look for an end to these unusual and dire circumstances.

God never encouraged us to put life on hold. Have no fear of sudden disaster…for the Lord will be your confidence… (Proverbs 3:25a, 26a).He who began a good work in you will complete it …(Philippians 1:6). As Christians, we know that 2020 has not been a surprise to God. He knew what was coming. He is with us in it and He will get us through it. He has not promised tomorrow but He has promised His presence, His guidance and His comfort for today.…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Each of us may be sure that if God sends us on stony paths He will provide us with strong shoes, and He will not send us out on any journey for which He does not equip us well.

Alexander Maclaren

Nothing enters your life accidentally – remember that. Behind our every experience is our loving, sovereign God.

Charles Swindoll

Work while it is called today, for you know not how much you may be hindered tomorrow. One today is worth two tomorrows; never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.

Benjamin Franklin