In a Time of Reset

Written by Laura Strack - ​Heartland Church of Fort Wayne

How quickly times can change! I have had periods in my life, as we all have, when personal circumstances have changed, and I found myself at a loss ... fearful, sometimes angry, confused, stumbling around, and unsure of what to do. God has used those times to shape and mold me, teaching me to fear less and trust Him more, to not rely on my own strength but to turn to Him a little quicker, to take time to press into His word rather than leaning on my own understanding.  And I have experienced times of corporate change at work, where changes in policies and schedules have affected my life. Change is inevitable, but I can honestly say I have never encountered anything such as the COVID-19 virus and the changes it has brought to all of our lives.

As I have been processing this trial and the ever-changing grid of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past couple of weeks, I keep hearing the word "reset" over and over again. I believe God has us in a time of reset and even though we may not like the restraints, inconveniences, uncertainty, panic, and all the seeming insanity of it all, it is not without purpose.
     
Resets are necessary at times. Maybe the power went out and you need to get back on the right time. Maybe your memory is too full on a device, and it needs to be reset so some of the clutter is removed and it can operate efficiently again. Maybe you fell and broke a bone, and it needs to be reset so it can heal properly and be restored. Maybe you have to reset a piece of machinery so it can make improvements or even a completely new part. Are you seeing these images as I think about things being reset? Timing, clutter being removed for a more efficient use, healing and restoration, something new?
       
Isaiah 55:6-8 (MSG) says, “Seek God while he’s here to be found, pray to him while he’s close at hand. Let the wicked abandon their way of life and the evil their way of thinking. Let them come back to God, who is merciful, come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness. I don’t think the way you think. The way you work isn’t the way I work.”
       
I don't know about you, but I am finding I need God to reset my thinking daily and often hour by hour. Am I going to give in to fear, depression, or anger? No, I am choosing to let Him reset my thoughts, emotions, and will. Sometimes it takes a little longer to get there, but I am determined to be reset as I come back to God and be transparent with Him and others and repent of my own wicked ways.
      
There was one more definition of reset from the Collins Dictionary that I found to be the most interesting of all. In Scottish, the word reset means the receiving of stolen goods. What?! Oh, I don't know about you, but I am ready to receive some things back that the enemy of my soul has stolen from me! Things like peace, health, relationships, family members back in right standing with God, and loved ones delivered from the enemy's hands.      

Father, Your ways are not our ways and Your thoughts are not our thoughts. Forgive us when we forget and allow our flesh to rule us and we complain or murmur about what You are doing. You are a merciful God, who will lavish Your forgiveness and mercy upon us when we come back to you and turn from our wicked ways. Help us be willing and mindful of the reset You want to do in our lives, both individually and worldwide, as we look to You. Amen.