When I woke up this Sunday, March 15, I realized God had already spoken in my dreams. He was speaking about idleness, which I found odd. Can't say I had heard a sermon on it but there it was, a topic God was bringing up, and in my dreams. I knew He was revealing something to me the Body needed to hear.  

Idleness is simply a waste of time and opportunity.  In the Body of Christ idleness is also the unwillingness to contribute to the Body of Christ. We are willing to receive when it is to our advantage, but not give and not do our part. We depend on others, but have chosen to not be counted on for others to mutually depend on us.

In the last few days I have told friends that it feels like God is giving people in general, and His people even more specifically, a sabbath gift to slow down or stop the daily routine of work, busyness, and to have us step into rest, to regather, and catch up in areas we have gotten behind in - things we would love to do, are passionate about, including just finally having ample family time to enjoy immediate family members.

A forced break of routine can be used in many ways, some productive and others unproductive. As believers, we should know that God is in control and He uses all things for our good. So in that light, this forced break must be received by faith that God will work all things out. Instead of complaining and worrying in fear, God is calling us to a higher road.

One response is, "I will let go of worry and will choose to use my time wisely, making the most of it," and "all the more as [I] see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:25)." This "break or pause" has created time-opportunities for us to pursue, and to be "rich towards God" by spending time worshiping Him, and being in His Word and presence. It has also created extra time for us to rethink, with the help of Holy Spirit, what life is all about and what my own sense of purpose and call are directing me to. 

Part of this trust response is to continue to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others in the midst of this unprecedented pandemic and quarantine mentality. Everyone has needs during this time, and emotional support is a top need. Some are fearful, worried, and lack grounding to know how to think and how to stay emotionally healthy in the fear of the unknown.  We have this opportunity to reach out to those in need to provide friendship, support, and love. Believers, even more so, have the power of prayer to counteract the fears of this season and to contend for the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing needs that have arisen. And this can be done remotely through text, calls, and video conferencing (everyone say Zoom!).   

Besides these opportunities, the big concern God was relaying to me in my dream was the idleness of doing nothing good with our time. That is, "I am just going to entertain myself by binge watching TV shows and movies", and do things that neither strengthen my relationship with others in healthy and quality ways or with God. This season is meant to be a fresh opportunity for new, and purer pursuits, ones that will last. God's warning through this dream is an invitation for us to not waste these opportunities and instead to seize the day for His higher purposes!