Anybody doubt that these are stressful days? In fact, there is no shortage of stress in life during relatively normal times (whatever that means). And no matter how quickly our lives return to whatever the new normal is, the level of challenge and change can be stressful. I was recently in a conversation with a person who was bouncing all over the place about how “we have never faced this level of stress before.” I had to remind him that most people have felt this level of stress in their lifetime, and the longer you have lived the more likely you have experienced it numerous times. This challenge is not necessarily different than if you were facing the loss of a loved one, the bankruptcy of your business, the loss of a job, etc. The difference is that rather than going through it alone or with your immediate family or friends, or even community, we are going through it as a nation and even to some extent as an entire planet. During times of raised stress, strife pushes itself in. Maybe being stuck in a place for an extended time with constant bad news. Perhaps because of loss or just out of fear, strife is always close. God reminds us that love, listening, patience, and ultimately His presence is the antidote to strife. Today, recognize His sovereignty in the process and in your story personally, and be a peacemaker. #BeTheEdge
“Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others].” Colossians 3:14 AMP
