Trusting Jesus in Uncertain Times

How are you doing with the continual updates of the Coronavirus news?
Are you fear-filled?
Are you avoiding the news?
Are you seeking Jesus and experiencing His confidence?
Or maybe your reaction is something else.

Southtown is continuing to monitor news and updates from the Center for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Currently, the advice is to "Be cautious but carry on."

What does that mean for us?

1. It means Jesus loves you and is in control of all of your days.
Matt 10:29-31 Jesus taught, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

2. It means we do not know what tomorrow will bring, but we know who holds tomorrow in His hands.
James 4:13-15 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

3. It means we live fearlessly and wisely in Jesus.
1 John 4:17-18 In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Eph 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.
4. It means we serve others in the midst of this crisis.
Luke 10:36-37 Jesus asked, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

God's Word is a light unto our path. Let's continue following Jesus and His Word. He is our light and hope. As He lives in us, we are light and hope for others.

Here are a few things we have been doing and will continue to do...
-Pray for God's remedy, for those sick, for protection and more...
-Knuckles, elbows and foot shakes instead of handshakes.
-Wash hands regularly, especially after coughing and sneezing.
-Stay home if you are sick.

-Doug (our awesome Custodian) sprays and washes touched surfaces before and after church events, especially Sunday morning and Wednesday evenings.
-We will provide hand sanitizer and have bathrooms fully clean and supplied.
-All nursery, children's and teen toys and equipment will be cleaned.
-Sunday Snacks will be pre-packaged food.

We have plans and ideas in place if things change. We are open to your ideas and suggestions.
How we respond reflects our faith in Jesus. Let's continue to trust Jesus and love and serve others.

Trusting Jesus, the Light and Hope of the world, together,
Pastor Chris

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