2 Corinthians 4:7-9
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed
2020 and now 2021, the world has been turned upside down, not by our gospel but by a virus called Corona. The words such as Pandemic, social distancing, unprecedented times, new normal have all become so popular and commonly used all over the world.
Yet the one word that has always and still bothered me is lockdown. Lock down is very restrictive.
To be lockdown is the confinement of prisoners to their cells for all or most of the day as a temporary security measure.
Or a lockdown could be an emergency protocol to prevent people or information from escaping.
Many countries have seen more than one lockdown and this has had both a negative and positive effect.
For some families it has been very stressful. You are always in each other’s face or space. Depression, stress, loss of finance, loss of jobs and the list goes on.
However, for the environmentalist, they believe the lockdown has resulted in clearer skies, clean water, and clean air.
Some people have used this time wisely and learnt new things. Some have learnt to exercise and go for walks; others have learnt to home school.
For some believers it has created a deeper relationship with the Lord, a deeper studying of the word of God.
Others have become involved with many prayer groups all around the world. Churches are reaching out to more people other than their members only.
For some churches this lockdown has become an effective way of connecting with their members.
For some families it has created genuine Relationships. Especially in our stressful busy schedules. Families have been able to spend time with loved ones.
The NHS has become inundated with the sick. Many are now working from home.
Yet there is still the fear and feeling of hopelessness from many quarters. I listen to many people and I hear in their voices feeling of despair, uncertainty, sarcasm and complaint.
Today I want to encourage you dear brothers and sisters in the Lord. You might be feeling vulnerable, beaten, battered, defeated and at your wits end.
Do not focus on this perishable container called self, but focus on the treasure of God dwelling in you.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
Though you and I may be vulnerable at this time of lockdown but always remember Who resides in you.
Always remember that the priceless power of God resides in you. The bad news, the conspiracy theory, the slanders, they might be overwhelming, yet locked in, inside of you is the power of the most high God.
1 John 4:4
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
There was a lock down in Egypt because of the plague, yet the children Israel were locked in with God in Goshen. God made a difference between the Israelites and the Egyptians.
Are you locked down or locked in?
You might feel that this pandemic has gone on for too long and you are at the end of your rope, remember that you might be at the end of your rope but not at the end of your hope. Are you locked down or your locked in. It is something you will have to decide this year. I will counsel you to be locked in not alone but alone with God.
Psalm 33:18-22
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.
Everything you are going through right now is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power through you.
Remember you are not in this alone.
Locked down but not conquered.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
