From Pastor Chris – God is in Control

Good afternoon COG Family!

Today is a new experience for many of us. We have been directed to stay home unless we need to go out for an essential reason. Melanie and I were talking about this and she said to me that it gives her flashbacks of being on a military base under lockdown for base exercises or real-world situations. These lockdowns could last for hours or for days. I thought about those experiences and wonder if that is one of the reasons I have not put up my arms in frustration by this stay home direction. Am I just an old dog who has been through something similar so many times before that I am not seeing it as a burden? I am sure that is part of it.
 
However, I believe the bigger part of it is I have faith that God is in control. That He gives me a peace during trying times. That His Son has me no matter what is going on in my life or the world around me. That all of us who have given our lives over to Jesus know that He has us in all situations. We can have a calm during trying times. This does not mean that we are carefree, but we are cared for by the one who gave it all for us to have eternal life. We can easily get weary, tired, and feel overwhelmed, during this situation. But Jesus tells us what to do.
 
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
 (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)

If you need to talk with someone or need anything, please reach out to me, someone on staff, a friend or family member, or your LifeGroup leader. God has given us each other to connect with and to do life together. He did not intend for us to be alone. Connecting during this time is very important. We are blessed to have so many methods to stay connected with those we love.

If you are not currently in a LifeGroup, you can still join one. Most groups are still meeting virtually online and you can go to our website to see the information for each group including when they meet. Reach out to the leaders directly to get more information or email me . The meetings are going very well with great feedback from the leaders.

Find comfort in knowing that God is in control and our world problems are only temporary.
 
Blessings,
 
Pastor Chris