That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
II Corinthians 12:10

The effects of the Pandemic of 2020 will be shared in every family. Sadly, those who contracted and survived the virus will describe their suffering and even sadder, the families who suffered loss will memorialize their loved one for generations.

What has happened so far in your life during this epic crisis? Here is my ongoing list:

•Four front line medical workers bravely serve every day.
•Three high school seniors spend their last semester studying at home while many special events were cancelled.
•A house was sold and a move accomplished.
•A friend exchanged bleach wipes for flour.
•Young children thrive daily within the walls of their home while their parents become great teachers and achieve daily a new level of patience and creativity.
•A baby met his extended family for the first time while his family began furlough from the mission field in Australia.
•The roses bloomed in one yard extravagantly, while spring brought daily joy. •Pharmacies and doctors went beyond the call of duty to assure needs were met for a family member with already existing health conditions.
*Older family members learned that quarantine is crucial, even if a 90th birthday is celebrated.
•A friend’s funeral was restricted to twelve attendants.
•Needs rule over wants.
•Faith and fear constantly spar.

I often study Chapters 11 and 12 in II Corinthians to gain perspective. The apostle Paul taught us to boast only in our weaknesses. His list includes imprisonment, beatings, near death experiences, survival through turbulent waters, robberies, dangers at home and away, attacks from betrayers, hunger, thirst, and humiliation.

When will we ever boast of our weaknesses through this crisis? We should boast daily in the Lord, however, because of the blessings we continually experience. We should boast now, fellow sojourner, in the power that God provides us in our weaknesses— so that we can tell others about his power and strength for each day.

Jill Hendrix