This is part of our series, Discipleship & the Coronavirus, featuring posts written by GABC members on what God is teaching them during the coronavirus pandemic.
You may read the entire series here.
by a Humanitarian Worker Serving in Asgard
There’s nothing inherently spiritual about experiencing this pandemic overseas. Most of our days are much like yours, full of routine: We make food, we homeschool our kids, we study language, we spend time as a family. Our country has been locked down for more than ten days, and “normal” has begun to take on a new meaning, which has given me more time to reflect.
I’ve been reading Humility: A Journey Toward Holiness by Andrew Murray. Little by little, the Lord is awakening me to the pride in my own life – my need for approval, comfort, and control – all fun things to ponder!
Following Jesus
When so much (perceived) control and liberty is taken away, my reaction to such news has revealed pride that the Lord is beginning to address in me. It’s not a pleasant process – but a necessary one to be made holy before Him. John 12:24-26 says:
Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
So, where was Jesus going when he said this? He was going to the cross to die for my sins. Then where must I go? I must go with him, and die to my sin, desire for comfort, and my need for control. To borrow the words of a coworker: “Abiders are diers, and diers are abiders.” The Lord is teaching me through these hard times just how much I need to abide in Him – and if I am to abide, I must also die to self. This is the essence of the Christian life. To die, in order to truly live. May the Lord grant me that kind of humility and willingness to die to self in these uncertain days, that I might know Him more. May he do so in you as well.