In Everything, Give Thanks!

Do you remember the early months of 2020, five years ago? When we first read of reports of a new coronavirus? When the first cases popped up in Singapore, first in the single digits, then by the hundreds and thousands? When eventually, the Government declared a “Circuit Breaker” beginning 7 April 2020, shutting down all non-essential workplaces and getting everyone to stay home to slow down the transmission of the disease?

How time flies! Terms like “Circuit Breaker”, “TraceTogether”, “Stay-Home Notices”, “Swab Tests”, and “Vaccines” have faded away into the recesses of our memories, or have perhaps been forgotten altogether. It is almost as if the COVID-19 pandemic had never happened. As we cross the 5 year anniversary of the “Circuit Breaker”, it is important to remember that “In Everything, Give Thanks”.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

1. Give thanks that we are able to assemble and worship as a congregation today, when we were not able to assemble together for a period of time during the pandemic.

2. Give thanks that most members survived the pandemic without serious health consequences – that the majority of those who did fall ill due to COVID-19 recovered eventually.

3. Give thanks for members who stepped up to care for each other – like delivering food and groceries to brethren who were stuck at home during their “Stay-Home Notices”.

4. Give thanks that most members remained faithful to the Lord despite the challenges they faced during the pandemic – challenges such as prolonged isolation and economic hardship.

5. Give thanks for the new lives that were created during the pandemic – physical new babies being born, as well as spiritual new babes who were baptized into Christ.

   
   

We overcame the tough times of the COVID-19 pandemic with the Lord’s help. Tough times will come again in the future, but the Lord will not allow us to be tested beyond what we are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). Whatever comes our way tomorrow, let us remember that “In Everything, Give Thanks”!