Testimonies of Grace, Part 2

We asked our congregation for some ways that God had blessed or grown them during this difficult time. Here are some of our family’s responses:

I am thankful to be able to provide this testimony of God’s grace in my life and the life of my family during this pandemic. For us life has pretty much remained the same from a work/family perspective. I am still working which I praise God for as I recently started a new job but have had to work extra hours and take on additional responsibilities due to workforce reductions and furloughs. As far as the rest of the family they are doing great and we have made some adjustments to the schedule, but it pretty much remains the same with homeschooling, studies, Lego building, chores etc.

One of things that was really important to us during this time was not to insulate our boys from what was happening in our society and world but to look to the Lord in it and that we as a family would be able to look back on Covid-19 and see it as a time that the Lord mightily worked in our lives. A time where we experienced his faithfulness and were refined and sanctified through it.

In doing our part of Desiring God through this, we have recently memorized Psalm 46 as a family. Pastor Brian preached on this several months ago and it had a great impact on me. When I arrived home after church, I informed the family that this would be the next scripture we memorized. Oh, what a great season to memorize this as we look at the world and listen to the news we may fear in thinking that the mountains may move into the heart of the sea, that the nations are raging and the kingdoms are tottering but Psalm 46 instructs us that No! God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam… What a great consolation and delight this has been to my soul and I find myself frequently preaching it to myself. As I type this, I can’t help but smile and my heart rejoices as I picture my 5 year old-Beau quoting it “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress!” What a joy.

I have gained a greater understating of the providence of God through this pandemic and my worship of him has increased as a result of it. As I consider all this and what God has impressed upon me and my family, His sovereignty. His providence. Psalm 46 and this pandemic I have also been reflecting on Psalm 90 a lot lately (which was dear to me during my father’s death nearly 3 years ago). For our life is but a vapor, the grass and the lilies of the field. Here today and gone tomorrow. Oh, that God would give me; give us a heart of wisdom that we would number our days. For only what we do for Christ will last.

I praise God that he who began a good work in us will continue it until the day of Christ Jesus and that he works all things together for good for those who are in Christ Jesus. What great and precious promises, what comfort, what a Savior!

To the Praise of his glory, Dale

Dale Lundeen