Do What You Can Where You Can

These days of staying at home, shut down economy, social distancing, self quarantining, video live streaming church and shortages at the supermarket have been frustrating for many. For the first time some parents are beginning to see their little angels are not angels after all. Families have had extended time together. Like one man told me, "I feel like a caged animal." I see that in my sons as they pace around bored beyond anything they could believe. Two of them were run off a local high school track because of Corona Virus. They were the only two there and on opposite ends of the field from one another.

It has been different, maybe even weird, for pastors to preach and teach to empty rooms. It has been equally weird to sing to empty rooms. Some are being creative. Some are begrudgingly doing what they must to observe the guidelines. This can be a time to make excuses or a time to give God your best. Do what you can where you can.

You can still call people. You can still text people. You can still email people. You can still encourage. You can still pray. You can still share and communicate love. You can still share verses of scripture. You can still share hope. Do what you can where you can.

Paul did this even when incarcerated. He taught. He evangelized. He prayed for people. He wrote. He encouraged others. He did what He could where He could.

Some might use this time as an excuse not to unproductive. I feel my work load increasing. I have so much to pray about and so many people to lift before God. I feel compelled to write for those who do not have the ability to get live streaming. This is my one way to offer some spiritual nourishment to them. I feel compelled to study harder to present the best spiritual meat for those who egearly await Wednesdays and Sundays. I feel compelled to stay in touch with people as best I can. That is important.

 Paul set a great example in Acts 27-28. Even though he was in chains being shipped to Rome, he found several opportunities to minister. He did what he could where he could.

He saved lives in Acts 27. Soldiers were lowering a lifeboat in a storm. God showed Paul only those who remained on the ship would be saved. He encouraged everyone on that ship after two weeks of intense stress during a storm that would not end. He prayed for sick people on the island of Maltus in Acts 28 after swimming for shore. He met with people night and day while in Rome testifying about Jesus. He wrote letters to encourage other believers God chose to preserve for us today as sacred scripture. Paul did what he could where he could.

You and I are to do the same. We are to do what we can right where we are. We can still be productive. Get your mind of your own self misery and focus on ministering to others. You can do something. Do what you can where you can. It just might make a world of difference for someone.