Overcoming Challenges

We asked some of our very own CBN Europe staff members some questions about how they have overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, here’s what they said.

What has been your biggest source of hope and encouragement during Covid-19?

Jesus - His faithfulness, His goodness, His protection, the wonders of technology which birthed the countless virtual meetings. Thank the Lord for inspiring Chris Brown, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes and Steven Furtick who wrote “The Blessing” - it’s been a refrain in our hearts over the lockdowns. - Lynnette

Spending time (and intentionally putting aside distraction during it) in worship has been key for me. Also - having 2-3 people - my ‘tribe’ who I could be super honest and vulnerable with when things were tough, and I could be there for in return. - Beth

Digging into God’s word and discovering new truths and fresh perspectives. - Allen

My friends and family. Using technology to stay in touch with loved ones has meant the world during COVID-19. Being able to see someone and have a conversation about what we’re all going through has meant that I have felt more connected. - Charmain

Hope itself! Hope has anchored my soul through the darkest of times during Covid –19 and has never put me to shame through my brokenness and weariness just as God’s Word promised. - Sarah

What have you found most difficult during Covid-19 and how did you overcome it?

We’ve missed face to face contact. SO much gets missed in online/text communication, including lots of banter... we all know laughter is good for the soul - and we’ve had to fight for that. We experienced the loss of one of our parents, and also lost a baby during the pandemic... and not being able just to ‘sit’ with people and process has made that harder. - Beth

Being confined and not being able to have the freedom to travel and meet with friends and family. Being able to communicate via Facetime or Zoom. - Allen

The toughest part of COVID-19 for me has been not being able to see friends and family in person. I think I took for granted the comfort that comes from a simple hug or a coffee and a chat in someone’s home. Hopefully, having had this taken away for a season, I won’t take these simple things for granted again. - Charmain

God set to work on my life during this Global season and remains at work in me. In a time of Lock down, it has been all too easy to ‘Look down’ but God remains the Lifter of my head. Many times I have had to remind myself of this Truth and both physically and spiritually - intentionally ‘Look up’ as my redemption in many things draws near. - Sarah

What would you say to those who are feeling lonely and hopeless?

it’s okay to ask for help. It can feel hard, but it’s the bravest thing you can do. - Beth

Loneliness and hopelessness are both real and affect everyone in different ways. However, even in their midst, it’s important to continually remind yourself that “I am not alone, for God is always near.” God’s word promises that “I will never leave you or forsake you.” - Allen

I would encourage them with the fact that this won’t last forever and that the season will pass. - Charmain

That it’s ok to NOT be ok because Jesus is close to the Broken hearted and He saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18) - Sarah

What’s the biggest lesson you have learned from the Pandemic?

There have been so many lessons from the pandemic. The biggest one for me is not to take travel/time with family for granted. I have family living in different continents of the world and I often thought to myself, “It’s ok - I’m only one flight away from my mum, etc...” I’ve not seen my mum for almost 2 years and whilst there is Zoom and FaceTime, it really isn’t quite the same. It’s really difficult but I find comfort in knowing that Jesus is looking out for my mum and He is a man of His word. He has never failed and He won’t do that now. - Lynnette

Everyone is going through this pandemic. If a friend hasn’t text you in a while - don’t get offended that they’re not supporting you - reach out to them instead, they might need it. You don’t have to have to be everything for everyone. In fact - you can’t be. Only Jesus can. Give yourself grace, and then go again. Community doesn’t happen by accident. If you want it, be strategic in making it happen. A plan can be your friend to book stuff in, but not overload and burn out. Make time for FUN!!! We all need joy more than ever. And the joy of the Lord is our strength. God invented laughter - so get some! - Beth

It is possible to step back and appreciate the simple things of life. To be thankful in all circumstances and appreciate friends and family. - Allen

By far the biggest lesson I have learned from the pandemic is to be content in any and every situation that life may throw at us. This comes straight from scripture (Philippians 4:11-13) and, though it is easier said than done, is definitely something that has been instilled in me through the pandemic. - Charmain

Not to fear the hearsay of the world and even the Church in some corners but to listen for the still small voice that silences all others. He spoke into apprehensions around testing and vaccines very personally to me from Isaiah 8:12 “Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; Do not fear what they fear and do not dread it”. - Sarah