These last few months
have had many ups and downs with the COVID-19 virus, and all the regulations and rules that go along with it. What you can and cannot do, where you can and cannot go—it has been very challenging for me to not get caught up in all the negativity that is all over the news and social media.

Easter Sunday was especially hard for me. My mother-in-law was rushed into the hospital and we were not able to be with any family at all.

I decided to make a list of things that I need to be thankful for and things that God has provided for me through all of this.

1.  My family’s safety and health
2. My mother-in-law and brother-in-law’s recovery from COVID-19
3.  Continued jobs for my entire family
4.  Never having to go without work or pay
5. God’s protection and care for not only my immediate family but also for my church and extended family
6. Being able to continue with home renovations (small but I am still thankful that we could do it)
7.  SALVATION

…I am sure there are many more!

I think when I look at the past several months and see what is happening in our world today it makes me wonder how much longer it will be before Jesus comes back. The more I think about everything that has been going on I think I took my salvation for granted. I always knew in my heart I was saved but this has really made me stop and “BE STILL” (this verse keeps coming up repeatedly during the past several months). I feel like God has put this verse on so many hearts during this time.

He is getting all of our attention. I think I am more appreciative now of my salvation and as much as I knew in my heart I was saved, I was always kind of scared but this has really made me look at things differently and I can honestly say I have peace in my heart.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. With thankfulness in your heart to God.  And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17

Denise Provost
LifePoint Office Staff