Pulling out too Quickly? How does the road ahead look?

The speed of emerging out of lockdown is a major issue in Britain now. In our island of Guernsey the goal of our leaders has changed. Whereas it was 'flatten the curve' a few weeks ago, it is now 'eliminate the virus'. After 15 days without a new case or infection of Covid-19 being reported, the local Chief Minister and his team seem confident that elimination can be achieved. That will only last, of course, until the borders are opened and flights and ferries return to service, but it does mean that lockdown can be undone with a little more pace than was planned.

But over in the UK there is widespread concern and disagreement about the pace at which the lockdown measures can be released. Clearly there is a balance to be struck and no step taken to undo the restrictions will be risk free - not even here in our lovely island. Yet the story from elsewhere around the world, even in Wuhan itself, gives grounds for hope.

What I do feel that God is saying to me in all this is that we all need to patient and accept the slowness of the process without fear or recriminations. Political leaders have a tough balancing act to perform. In one sense, they can't win, due to pressure both to protect lives and restart the economy. We should pray for those in authority over us that God will give them wisdom beyond themselves and courage to lead well.

Slowing down is a personal challenge, though. It means letting go of that fretting and fear that so easily causes panic and prevents us resting, praying and laughing too. It is a process of recognising who is control - not me, nor the politicians, not the virus and definitely not the devil!

This morning I was reading in Revelation 19 the vision of Jesus riding a white horse in final victory at the end of time. 'On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords'. Let Jesus be lord and choose to slow down and rest in him. Each day, we can find peace and rest for our souls when we choose faith and not fear, trust and not terror.

In Matthew 11:28-30 in The Message, Jesus says: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”