“All things” includes even this thing

Volume 1 Issue 7 June 10, 2020

On March 16 my world changed rather quickly, as I had now become a stay-at- home dad, home school teacher and pastor. I live and serve in Virginia, and our kids came home from school on Friday, March 13, and would not return for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Our churches were also mandated through executive order not to meet in person but through social media and live stream platforms.

I was suddenly now a stay-at-home dad, cooking and cleaning, while ensuring their school work was completed and online Zoom meetings were being attended. I will confess to you, it was not always easy or even pleasant. I experienced frustration, and I haven’t even mentioned trying to lead a church and maintain connection through a pandemic.

In the beginning of our Stay- at- Home Order here in Virginia, I saw a quote from Pastor Tony Evans. At a time when the term social distancing had become common, he said the following. “We are physically distancing, not social distancing. Stay connected.” As I look back, that simple quote helped God change my personal perspective. Yes, there was a lot I could be frustrated about, but I am a child of God.

In my devotional time, I came to a familiar verse that we all know. That verse was Romans 8:28 ESV: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” That verse it says it all, and that means everything, the good, the bad and everything in between. My spirit began to swell as my own personal perspective began to shift. I now not only hoped but believed that God would use this pandemic for His glory, and would strengthen our marriages, relationships with our children and His church, as we seek Him. I began to embrace this new time at home with my family and spend quality time with them. I also began to fight to maintain connection in the church through texts, calls and short encouraging videos, on top of our Bible studies and eventually our drive-in church services.

You may wonder if things are back to normal yet. My answer would be no, and I hope that they never will be! I have seen my family grow closer and the church I serve have a renewed hunger for the Word of God, for His Church and its mission. This is my very condensed quarantine story. My hope is that you, too, have experienced greater intimacy with Christ, your family and have maintained connection with your church family. Better days lie ahead! ~ Ryan Call

Connect NOW is a temporary project of the Connection Magazine staff.

We will be writing and soliciting weekly articles for at least May and June, to encourage, inform, and inspire people as we walk through this unique time together. The Evangelical Methodist Church is a global family of Christ followers committed to sharing the good news of God’s love with people.