God is Near
My aunt Robyn always loved driving the school bus. When I was a child, I’d look forward to the commute with her at the wheel. It was always a good time! Sometimes she’d bring the kids treats, sing songs, and tell stories to those in earshot.
I was always the first and last on the bus. I didn’t mind, because it was time with my aunt. I can still remember her munching on black licorice as she drove. The kids absolutely adored her, and I thought I had the coolest aunt ever!
This is just one of many memories I have of her. She was one of my favorite people on the planet, and she had a huge impact on my life. She’s the key person Jesus used to bring me to Him. This past year, I lost Aunt Robyn to COVID-19.
I received the news the same week my husband received a positive COVID result of his own. As my husband struggled through recovery, I received each new piece of news about my dear aunt. First she was placed in the ICU. Then she contracted pneumonia and was put on a ventilator. Eventually, her organs shut down and she passed away. She was only 56.
The hurt from this loss was (and still is) almost unbearable. My worry for my husband escalated, knowing how bad this situation could worsen. I’m thankful to share that his symptoms peaked with flu-like symptoms. My beloved aunt was still gone though.
Maybe you have a family member who has contracted this terrible virus. Perhaps a student in your classroom has dealt with the loss of someone. Maybe you yourself have dealt with COVID in your own household. Matthew 10: 29-31 reminds us, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
God passionately cares about who you care about, even more than you do! No matter who it is that’s sick (including yourself), God is near.
In dark times like the pandemic, we are living through, remember that we as Christians have hope. 1 Thessalonians 4: 16, 17 says, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” If you’ve lost a loved one who knew Jesus, their story isn’t over.
No matter what your COVID experience has been so far, remember that “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2