Frozen in Time

Last year God gave me a very simple but clear message- “keep moving forward.”

In this moment of time, life seems to have frozen in place. Parking lots are empty. Streets are barren. It is a little eerie. Time seems to have stopped.

While this may seem to be the case, it is not the reality. Time still goes on. Our life isn’t frozen. It is still very much continuing. The sun still rises and sets at the same time every day. This is proof that time still goes on. The dawn is sure. It comes with each passing day and gives us a new beginning.

We don’t have a second chance to live this day, this moth, this year. So what are we going to do with this time?

Time has not stopped. The church has not closed. It is very much alive and active.

When they look back in history books- what will they see?

Will they see a people running scared or will they see a generation of faith rising up?

Life hasn’t stopped- so how are we going to move forward? How are we going to respond?

While it is true that we don’t have the same socialization opportunities as normal, we get to be more creative, more purposeful, more intentional. We have no choice but to be less lazy! To get out of our conventional bubble of convenience and put in effort that isn’t normally required.

Living a spirit filled life is not about convenience. It is dangerous and risky! Or at least, it should be.

When I was in high school, my Sunday school teacher gave us a yellow strip of paper with a simple but powerful saying scrawled on it. I put the paper next to my mirror, memorized it, and never forgot it. And my, how it runs true today:

“Don’t let the world steal your soul. Being a Christian is about choosing Jesus and deciding to do something incredibly daring with your life.”

As Christ followers, we need to wake up and choose Jesus every single day. To put on our Christ glasses and see the world through his eyes.

Yeah it isn’t convenient. Nor is it common. Some may even say it is downright daring.

But it is the call. This is who we were called to be.

From the first moment we said yes to Jesus, this is who we were called to be.

We need to look different and daring to a world that is in disarray.

Jesus told us it wouldn’t be easy. He warned us we may be lonely.

Matthew 7:13-14

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Which road are we going to take?

We have the choice how to respond to these words.

He isn’t forcing us- that isn’t in his nature- but he is calling us.

How are we going to respond? Are we going to make this moment in time count- or are we going to join those on the crowded road?

We have the choice and opportunity to “keep moving forward” even when it seems like everyone else is frozen in time.