Prior to all this nation wide pandemic, my Sunday school class and our youth group (which I help lead) were going through the book of James. It was all God's handy work that we were studying the same piece of His word. Even though we were reading the same words, the lessons were so different. God was showing me so many wonderful encouragements and disciplines. He was preparing me for such a time as this. 

A little synopsis of James if you are unfamiliar with the passage. James is the half brother of Jesus, he is writing this book to the Jewish Christians scattered among the nation's due to the persecution of their people. He is writing to them to encourage them and to help them to continue to follow Christs teaching in their difficult time. He warns them about losing focus and faith. He also gives them lessons on how to share God's love and continue conform their lives to the gospel. He concludes the letter by telling them to have faith in prayer. 

In this time at first I was discouraged, how will I find support for this trip, how will I meet the financial responsibilities, how will I stay connected to my church family. Then God reminded me of the book of James. We may not be able to meet together in the usual way, but by no means are we alone. Through technology we are still able to hear the word of God. In this time God is also helping me to spend more intentional time with Him in His word. Most importantly just like James ended his letter I will have faith in prayer. God is good all the time. Even if we can't see it. He is working still and making a way for me and my team. This is just the beginning. 

-Psalms 46:10 says it best "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

-Elizabeth