Socially Isolated, But Still Serving!

“…be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58

This is a very unusual world we live in these days. Cloistered in our homes, unable to visit anyone. For me, the inability to go to church has been very hard, especially because my social life also revolves around the church. This time of isolation can be very, very difficult and very lonely at times.

I’ve read a couple of things on social media comparing our time of social isolation to the days of the early church when believers had to stay in the homes and worship for fear of imprisonment or death. Others have stated that our worship situation is similar to underground churches that meet in countries where Christianity is forbidden.

I praise God I live in a country where I can worship without fear, and I would never want to minimize the trials and tribulations of the early church believers or the persecuted Christians in today’s world by comparing my situation to theirs. However, during this time of social isolation, I do feel disconnected from my brothers and sisters in Christ. I miss the fellowship; I miss the unity of our spirits, and I miss serving God together.

However, this time of isolation is teaching me that no matter where I am or in what situation I find myself, I can always be “abounding in the work of the Lord.” When John the Baptist wandered in the wilderness, he continued the work of the Lord (Matthew 3, John 1). When Paul and Silas were in prison, they still praised God and shared Christ with those around them (Acts 16:25-34). When John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, was in prison, he served God through his writing. When Corrie ten Boom was in a German concentration camp, she continued to share the gospel with other prisoners. I realize that no matter where I am, God will enable me to serve Him if I am willing.

One of the things I’ve rediscovered is sending notes through the mail. I know that I enjoy getting letters, so I’ve started doing that. It’s such an easy way to encourage others and share Jesus. Maybe it doesn’t seem like much to others, but for me, it’s a way to connect with others and serve God at the same time! “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” – Hebrews 10:24

Another way I can serve God is by praying for others. The Bible tells me to “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) It’s seems odd to think that praying is actually a service to the Lord, but He commands us to continually be in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to pray for others. I can serve Him by being a prayer warrior for my family and friends!

Social media is yet another way to serve the Lord. I’ve read posts of how God has been working in people’s lives; I’ve looked at beautiful pictures with Scriptures on them, and I’ve watched livestream videos of church services! These have been so encouraging to me! Such wonderful testimonies of how God continues to move forward in the hearts of His people! “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

It’s pretty exciting to know that there are many ways to continue serving the Lord while being isolated at home. All we need to do is find our niche! Pray and ask the Lord to show you what you can do to serve Him, then listen for His response. It may surprise you!

Through this time of social isolation, we must continue to be steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding in our work for Jesus. We never know where our seeds of faith will be planted or who will water them, but we do know God will bring forth the fruit, for our labor is not in vain!

Perhaps today there are loving words which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin, some wand’rer whom I should seek;
O Savior, if Thou wilt be my guide, though dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo Thy message sweet, I’ll say what You want me to say.

I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord, O’er mountain, or plain, or sea;
I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord, I’ll be what You want me to be.

(from “I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go” by Mary Brown)

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” – Colossians 3:23

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I’d love to hear how you are serving the Lord at your home during this time of isolation!