LEADERS' HEARTBEAT

3

Rested in Turbulent Times

Senior Pastors and Elder-Designate Tony Tan

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23 February 2020

This heartbeat is part of a series that was first published in the church bulletin when Covenant EFC embarked on our Seed Fund Faith Journey.


Since the beginning of 2020, our world has been hit by political tensions, social divisions, economic disruptions, environmental disasters and now, a health emergency that colour our daily lives. We saw people panic and hoard necessities to protect against imagined scarcity and need – rice, instant noodles, even toilet paper!

Philippians 4:4-8 gives us this exhortation: “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious …”. This scripture teaches us to rest in our All-Powerful and All-Sufficient God, moving us from chaos to calm and from fear to faith.

Rejoice: “Rejoice in the Lord always”(v.4). Begin with worship. Declare that heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool. He is in control of every circumstance and nothing escapes His attention or affection. You are totally secure in His love and protection.

Entrust: “Let your requests be made known to God” (v.5). Present your concerns to our Heavenly Father. He is more than able to meet every need. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will always do what is best for you.

Surrender: “The peace of God … will guard your hearts and your minds” (v.7). Leave your worries at the throne of God. Don’t carry them around like a heavy burden. Release them totally to Him and embrace His peace.

Transform: “Think about these things … practice these things” (vv.8,9). Fill your minds with what is good and true. Meditate on His Word. Read your journal to recall His grace and interventions. Remind yourself that His faithfulness is new every morning and never fails. Then, let your attitude and actions reflect your renewed thinking.

When we are at rest in God, we will see through the turmoil. History shows us that in the most trying times, God orchestrates the fulfilment of His greatest purposes through His Church. Let’s be the Church in Bukit Panjang, Woodlands and the East. And let’s faithfully carry out the faith journey of raising $40M for Vision 2028 & Beyond. Will you pray and give to this vision?