The Blessings During Isolation

From Karl Felten:

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
~Hebrews 10:24-25
 
Salvation belongs to the Lord;
your blessing be on your people!
~Psalm 3:8

​The events of the last few months have been challenging for many, in a variety of ways. The COVID-19 outbreak across the world has impacted people physically, financially, and socially. In addition, there are varying opinions on what is the best way to respond to the pandemic and these differing thoughts have, at times, caused frustration and anger. To further add to the strange times we now live in, our country has faced great civil unrest as it comes to grips with the racism that exists in our world and how best to respond to it. As followers of Jesus Christ, who put our trust in God’s sovereignty and grace, we know that He is in control amidst our pain, confusion, and frustration. In fact, despite the challenges due to the pandemic and isolation, some very real blessings have come out of this situation. I would like to share with you some of the blessings my family has experienced during this time of quarantine.
 
Over the last few months of isolation, my family has had more time to spend together. This extra time together has been spent playing games, watching various TV shows and movies, and spending time at the kitchen table talking. During one of these talks, we discussed setting aside some time to read and study God’s word as a family. I am sad to say we never have had a regular, dedicated time of family Bible study, but it is never too late to start!
 
We decided to meet as often as we could, since we had the time, and settled on meeting after dinner on five nights per week. I cannot express how wonderful it has been to dig deep into the Scripture with my family and talk about the implications the Word has in our daily lives.
 
We have been aided greatly by the lessons and study materials available from the RightNow Media access we have through EBF. Using the RightNow Media lessons and study guides have made our Bible study easier. They have done all the prep work and we were able to jump into the Scripture study right away. If you have not tried it out already, I encourage you to take a look at this fantastic resource if you need help or inspiration in starting to study.
 
In addition to diving deep into God’s Word, our family times have allowed us to spend time praying for each other. This has been an added blessing as it has allowed us to be vulnerable and express our love and support for each other as we brought our hopes, desires, pains, and praises to the Lord.
 
Without the quarantine and isolation, I am not sure my family would have been able to come together for this regular Bible study. Unfortunately, the busyness of “normal” life may have kept us from realizing our need for it. However, now that we have experienced the blessing of studying God’s Word as a family, I am grateful to God that He opened my eyes to how wonderful it is. I know of at least one other EBF family who has been able to use this isolation time to meet together each Sunday to explore and discuss the teaching from Pastor Richard’s on-line sermons, and to pray. I am sure there are other families who have found wonderful blessings during this time of isolation, concern, and unrest. I hope this has been an encouragement for you!

​For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
~Romans 15:4