Rev. Matthew Kail

Lately, we’ve had more time to think than usual.

We can elevate our thinking, and our mood, by taking time to thank God and consider how He cares for us through the work of others.

A major insight of the 16th century Protestant Reformation had to do with vocation (calling).

The Medieval Church emphasized that priests, monks and nuns had a special calling from God for a religious vocation. On the other hand, Luther, and others in his wake, recognized that each person has a God-given calling, by which he or she is able to serve God by serving others.

In today’s world, we can think of athletes who seem to be born to play a particular sport. Their God-given talent elevates their athletic endeavors into poetry in motion. The Olympian runner Eric Liddel said it best: “God made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

Amidst our current crisis, we see examples in Drs. Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx, whose training, intelligence and hard work equipped them to wisely address our nation concerning the course of battle, and how each citizen has a role to play in mitigating the spread of the virus.

Let us not forget the first responders and medical staff on the frontlines — who go into battle without the optimum level of personal protective equipment, because someone has to do it. God blessed us by raising-up police officers and firefighters who enter into harm’s way, for whom serving and protecting the public is more than a job — it is a lifestyle, and a commitment.

What is more, God desires to utilize every individual in His grand design of providing for the needs of His people. In ordinary times, we may not fully appreciate the labor of farmers, truckers who transport goods to our area or workers who stock shelves and attend to customers. In this remarkable time, let us remember to thank God and the workers who continue to work.

Butler, we shall weather the storm that is upon us, together. May our gratitude extend beyond this crisis, so we might see God’s goodness all our lives, and know that, by His design, we are able, through our labors each and every day, to bless one another and glorify His Name.

The Rev. Matthew Kail is pastor of Muddy Creek and Unionville Evangelical Presbyterian Churches.