Single and Social Distancing: The Lonely Servant

Single and Social Distancing: The Lonely Servant

[31] Jesus replied: “Do you really believe me? [32] The time will come and is already here when all of you will be scattered. Each of you will go back home and leave me by myself. But the Father will be with me, and I won't be alone. [33] I have told you this so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.”

As we all know, America has been pretty much shut down due to a virus that has caused severe health issues and deaths. This season in our lives has caused loved ones to die alone AND families to miss traditional celebrations that join them together. Children are isolated from their essential parents, friends, and teachers. Spouses are left without a mate due to having an essential career. And well the Singles are left without their social gatherings, interactions with co-workers and if you are like me, I am separated from the ministries that I have so faithfully served for many years. Ministry is my assurance, my organic small group, my sanity, my livelihood, and for the past few weeks, it's lonely being a virtual servant. 

The government has shut down the worship experiences that have given us reassurances, lessons, and fellowship when we gather together on Sundays and I must be honest and say it's horrible. Not only do some of our careers and passions are now considered non-essential, but my family of faith can’t physically connect to comfort one another.  Heartbreaking for the moment, but it feels like an eternity since I’ve last seen my dance sisters or media family and the list goes on, but you get the picture.

 We have been scattered into our own homes and while some of us gripe and complain about the extra requirements from our careers and children. There is God. There is the human touch and love with no separation of distance. Some of us are struggling with sickness. There is God. A God who comforts and heals us in sickness. Singles have been separated from our fellow single friends and also are required to manage careers and be a distant friend. If you are like me, I'm an entrepreneur, which means no work, no income. But there is God. A God that is a provider and a friend. My point is although we are separated from our day to day routines that connect us to one another...There is God! Even Jesus was separated from the disciples and he says in John 16 that the time has come when they will be scattered, each of them will go back to their homes and Jesus will be left by himself BUT His Father will be with him and that He is not alone. Jesus was by himself but He knew He wasn’t alone.

Friend, we may feel like we are left by ourselves to endure this season physically, but we are not alone. We have a Father who will be with us, spiritually. A Father who loves us more than any person or thing on this earth. This alone should give us peace in our hearts. While we are here in the world, we will have to suffer and this includes pandemics. We have a reason to shout and have joy. Why? Because Jesus has defeated the world, and that means we get the victory and He will get the glory from all of this. It’s simple, the world fails us, God doesn’t fail. And that is GREAT NEWS!

Here are 3 things that kept me during this season and I hope it helps you, as well.

Prayer time: Purposely set aside some time to speak to God about the things that concern your heart. I’m not talking about those “pretty prayers”. Be vocal, be honest. Remember gratitude. If you don’t have any concerns, a prayer of thanks always cheers the heart up and reminds us of the past victories. God is victorious. Thank him for that.

Release Pride: The Source created resources for us to use during this season. If you need help with anything, speak up. God will provide for us in this season, but you gotta be open to how he wants to provide for you. If you are praying for instructions on how to manage bills or lack of income, remember to be obedient to his instructions and don’t doubt. If God presents the opportunity, accept it. 

Worship and Journal: Use this time to worship Him alone. You have Him all to yourself with no distractions. Journal your miracles in your home and community so when you get discouraged, you have something to remind you that He has kept you thus far. 

Written: Kristel Dion

www.kristeldion.com

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3.31.20