Season of Opportunity

The pandemic has brought the world to a halt. Whilst the crisis is terrible, and many are suffering, it also provides us with a unique opportunity. It is as if the pause button has been hit and we have time and space to reconsider our lives.

As Ecclesiastes says, there is a time for everything, and this might be the season in which the Lord wants to plant His goodness in our lives in a new way. Or it might be the season in which He wants to uproot any unhelpful elements within us. The world can only wait and hope that this difficult season ends quickly. For us, as God’s children, we can do more than that. We would do well to use this opportunity to seek the Lord and see how He may speak to us at this time.

What kind of things might God want to build or plant in you during this season? Might it be a deeper knowledge of Him? Might it be new patterns for life. Do we need a recalibration of our priorities, or to grow in our desire and love for the Lord Jesus and our longing for His return? And what might He want to uproot? Perhaps it is deep, unchallenged beliefs which sit as fault lines in our foundations. Or maybe it is unhelpful, unhealthy, or even sinful, patterns of thinking and behaviour.

Whatever is on God’s agenda for you personally, I believe that God desires to bring all of us closer to His own heart. This will result in a deeper experience of rest, despite the circumstances. It will bring a more passionate love for Him, despite our personal struggles, and a deeper commitment to Him.

Over lockdown my wife and I have had opportunity to look back on those years when our children were little. We loved those days when parenting was so ‘hands on’ and our kids spent countless hours on our laps. Now those days are over, and we’re in a different (but also good) season. The season of children being babies and toddlers comes only once. This realisation helps us to know that the current season, characterised by COVID-19 and lockdown, is likewise a unique opportunity.

As the world lies quiet, the Lord is moving deeply, and He is inviting us to move with Him. He wants to do a deep work in all of our hearts. Out of His deep love for us He is preparing us for the coming season. May He help us to make the most of this special time. As Moses prayed, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

Prayer: Father in heaven, whilst I may struggle with COVID-19 and its impact on life, I also choose to recognise that You are providing me with a special opportunity during this time. I invite You to plant and build, or uproot and destroy things in my heart, as You see fit. Show me, Lord, what You want to do, and give me the grace to let You do it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.