COVID 19 Encouragement - 04/03/2020

Hello CHESS Families,

We are all definitely trying to wrap our minds around the new normal (hopefully temporary) in our world right now. There is so much going on and every moment there seems to be a different opinion that comes across our phone, social media, news feed, radio and even from our communications with each other. My hope is that during all of this we all take a little more time to dig into God’s word for his perspective on this. John 16:33 says “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” What a great reminder in the midst of this time. God was not surprised by Covid-19, He was not surprised with the reaction of social distancing and is not surprised by when it will be over and what will come next. I believe that He can use all things and right now He is asking us to refocus on Him, our marriage, family, and friends. He has blessed us with a chance to slow down and see the sunrise or sunset, watch His glory as spring begins to change the landscape around us and even get a chance to play a game and hear our family’s laughter.

I have been encouraged by the volume of communications where fellow homeschool families and Christians have taken this opportunity to reflect God’s light to this lost world. I know we have all thought about our kids watching our reaction to these circumstances but the world as a whole is also watching because they are looking for something genuine. We are reminded in Phillipians 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." We have watched a couple of great movies that have a great message recently. The first is “A Case for Christ” at one point in the movie Lee (main character) tells his wife that he believes and is ready for Christ and part of it was the fact she never changed and always loved him. The other I would recommend “Greater” it is the Brandon Burlsworth story about a football player in Arkansas and his consistency and influence on others. One great scene is when his brother is on the football field and someone keeps asking him if he is ready to go up. He sees flowerpots on the field and thinks “nice gesture” but when you get to the top of the stadium the flowers spell out “We Trust” and he can’t see it until he gets above the circumstances.

Isaiah 33:17 says “Your eyes will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar.” We are not home yet and are foreigners in a foreign land, we need to remember we are just passing through this world and these current circumstances, Hebrews 13: 14 –"For we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." Let us remember to model gentleness, peace and love to all those around us as many are lashing out with anger, despair and hopelessness from fear and isolation.

Our prayer as a leadership team is that we all use this time to grow closer to God, our families and also shine His light to neighbors and friends around us. Please let us know of prayer requests or needs during this time, you can contact us through the website or Facebook.

Suggested movies or documentaries:

Greater – Hammond Entertainment 2016

A Case for Christ – Triple Horse Studios 2017

COVID-19 from a Christian Worldview Perspective - YouTube › watchWeb resultsKen Ham Responds to COVID-19 from a Christian Worldview Perspective - YouTube

We hope you have a blessed weekend and Palm Sunday,
Jason & Stacy Buher for the CHESS Leadership Team