Deaths, job losses, closures. We are all surrounded by tragedy at this moment - and as we all know, the damage will go on and on - well after the deaths decline. Livelihoods ruined, homes and businesses gone, millions devastated and left bankrupt. Most do not realize exactly how much has been lost.
And so we will weep with those who weep. We cannot downplay the tragedy of what is happening here. But I have a very different word for the Remnant of God. You know who you are.
Despite all this tragedy, to those who have been "waiting" in the caves and the rocks and the depths of the wilderness - I say, "Lift up your eyes." The very season you have been waiting for is here. Your true ministry is about to begin.
We are living in the "sudden stop." We are living in the great 'Reset'. In 100 years when they speak of this era, they will speak of this as the moment when everything changed. Like World War II, like the Great Depression - this is the hour after which nothing will ever be the same. And Remnant - this is the season you were built for.
I am speaking to those who have been set apart. You have allowed yourself to be broken. You have trained yourself for battle. You know how to preach Repentance and Conviction of sin. You have been trained in the healing of the sick and the moving of the Holy Spirit. You know how to baptize, to pray powerfully - and to train others. You are a fully-equipped preacher of the true gospel.
You have used your time well. You have paid down your debt. Your hands are free of shackles - and you're ready to go. You have a boldness and an audacity about you. While others shrink back, you will jump forward. You were built for such a time as this.
Some of you 65+ will come out of retirement. Your latter years will be much more fruitful than the former ones. The old era did not welcome you. The new era has no choice. "Fortune favors the brave," goes the saying. And this has never been more true than it is now.
While others fear - you are bold. While others play it safe - you see this hour for what it is - and you seize the moment. Those who shrink back will miss out. Those who are alert - and move forward with boldness - will have the field almost to themselves.
I say to the remnant, "Lift up your eyes." Everything has changed. Do not confine your gaze to your own nation. Many of you will be headed overseas. "But," you say, "The planes are grounded. Most nations are closed." Yes - for now that is true. But before long there will be travel again. And the people will be hungry for a word from the Lord. Especially the poor.
Where once you were ignored - now you will be welcomed. Where once you were constrained - now you will be loosed. Where once you were disregarded - now you will be respected. "Who dares wins." Go forth like Joshua and take the land.
Do not be distracted. Politics is a distraction. Current events are a distraction. Social media is a distraction. Keep your eye on the prize - the big picture. Today's harvest is whiter than it's ever been. Be alert. Watch for the doors to open and for the Lord's timing. Act with boldness. Seize the day.
Most of the world will be in turmoil. Most of the people will be shrinking back. Very few will be travelling. Many churches and businesses will be in trouble. But you will be looking around with alert eyes - for where the Lord may send you.
Do not fear. Go forth with boldness. The former things are passed away. Remnant - this is the hour you were built for. Don't let it pass you by.