“God is Always Up to Something!” | Ep. 27

NOTE: This content is available as a video,  a blog post (below), or a 7-minute podcast. We trust this will serve every situation and learning style well. Here at Connected Families we realize this is a tough time for many in our community and in the world as a whole. In response to the current pandemic, we sent out a survey last week to hear, “What is it like to be you?” The response was overwhelming, with a thousand parents responding in just a little over a day. People shared a wide range of responses: * About 15% of you said you are doing quite well, finding less stress, and deeper connection in the slower pace. * Another 15% said that stress is about normal. * Still, another 70% of you are feeling more stress than usual, some of you a LOT more than usual. We read through each of your responses, and what you told us you needed was practical encouragement in short, bite-sized chunks. So, today,  we want to share a word of encouragement with you – You are NOT alone in this! Jesus “GETS” you! Hebrews 4:15 & 16 says,“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”   It helps to have a little context to really take in this verse. Temptations often have more power under stress. And Jesus had more than His share of stress, some of which you may relate to right now:  * He was so exhausted that He fell asleep, in a boat, in a storm.  * He “managed” 12 disciples who often acted like selfish children.  * He navigated a stressful religious and political climate.  * He was primarily homeless during the 3 years of his ministry, and had no regular income.  So basically…. He gets us, because He has walked in our shoes! He knows how hard this is for many of you right now.  No matter what’s going on in your life right now, Jesus is with you and cares about you! Regardless of what the constant conflict, messy house, or undone checklist looks like. So how does knowing that “Jesus gets us!” help in a tangible way during this unprecedented situation, especially when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed? Stress happens when there’s a gap between expectations and your ability to meet those expectations. What does this mean for me, right now? Here are a few practical ideas to help you keep things in perspective:  * First of all, lower the expectations you have for yourself. Stress happens when there’s a gap between expectations and your ability to meet those expectations. Maybe you’re feeling pressure to make this a purposeful, connective time with your family. Or shine the light of Jesus to those around you. Or just get that to-do list done.