Facing the uncertainty of this moment in time has been challenging for most of us. Living with constant updates about the coronavirus, unemployment, and racism has taken a toll on our mental and physical health. It seems like now would be a good time to give up on our dreams or to quit living the life we have built. But in times like these, we have to fight fear and our unwelcomed reality with focusing on the future and the faithfulness of God.

There are many things going on in this world that we are facing simultaneously. With the racial injustices and tension, the coronavirus, protests and soaring unemployment many are on edge. We are experiencing challenges that are testing our faith and stressing our emotional strength. The ups and downs of this season have caused us to wonder, “what’s going on?”

We are all on a journey that has us restrained in order to make sure everyone is safe. For some this has meant their ability to move about freely, go to work and social events have been limited and they are beginning to feel stressed, depressed, and isolated. All of these responses are within reason.

Our world and community are experiencing something that hasn’t happened since 1918. This experience has left us anxious, depressed, lonely, and confused. Many of us have had our faith tested in ways we thought would only happen when we lost a loved one or faced a divorce, addiction, or some other painful time in our lives. This pandemic has pushed all of our buttons at once and has caused us to question our level of faith, our mental health, and our financial stability.

In the last few months we have experienced major changes in our ability to travel, worship, fellowship, congregate, provide health care, and more. These changes have been major for some and minor for others. Graduations, proms, conferences, weddings, and memorial services have been canceled or postponed. Schools, restaurants, malls, churches, casinos, corporations, and small businesses have had to close down temporarily due to an unseen yet deadly foe. With all of these changes happening simultaneously, we have to make adjustments not only physically, but also mentally and spiritually as well. In these times we have to live the faith we profess.

The challenges and joys of life can come at the most unexpected times and cause us to question ourselves, our choices, or our faith. The times of uncertainty and the blessings of life have a way of affecting each of us differently. Sometimes we are prepared for the outcome and other times we find ourselves struggling to maintain normalcy in some areas of our lives.