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Devotional for April 26, 2020

Continuing On and Forward as Normal

"He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth." (Psalm 104:14 NIV)


Even though the pandemic has certainly disrupted life as normal around where I live, there are still certain signs of normalcy and regularity. Specifically, the farmers are working in the fields. Many of the fields around here are already being readied for planting, by being fertilized, tilled, and plowed, and some have already been planted. Certain crops which were planted over the winter are growing and will soon be harvested. Many of my neighbors have planted their flowers and gardens. In other ways, although life has been disrupted, it also continues as normal.

As the pandemic continues on, and, hopefully comes to an end eventually, we thank God that, despite our lives being disrupted by the pandemic, He has kept us going. He has continued to provide us with sustenance and everything else necessary for our lives. He has provided us with friends and family to encourage us through the change in lifestyle the pandemic has caused. He has provided us with opportunities to help our families grow closer together. He has provided us with opportunities to enjoy His creation when the weather has allowed us to do so. Most of all, He has provided us with opportunities to grow closer to Him.

We can continue to keep going because we know God is in charge and He has each day under His care. The details of our lives, including our futures, remain in His hands. We can trust that He loves us and cares for us, and always has our best interests in mind. Even though some things have been disrupted, other things have continued on as normal - and have even been improved. Because Jesus died and rose again, our relationship with God is guaranteed. He remains close to us each day, and gives us the courage, energy, and enthusiasm to keep going. We can keep going because we know He ultimately is in control of each day. We thank Him for everything He gives us, and for bringing us through each day and each week, to the future He has in store for us.

Dear God, thank you for keeping me going each day. Help me to rely on you for strength and courage to keep going. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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