Life during COVID19 can be described as tumultuous as the world is reeling from its effects of an economic storm where many are losing their jobs, businesses are closing down, company politics increase, as restructuring and layoffs are inevitable. Stock markets are unpredictable, and many countries are still trying to figure out how to progressively return the country to normalcy and protect themselves from being affected by a second wave of the virus.With the whole world and economy in this state of uncertainty, we cannot plan or strategise far ahead. Many will have to make major adjustments to their lives. As Christians, we are not exempt from these uncertainties and changes that we have to make to our lives and plans.
Luke 5:1-11 (NKJV) So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.
Just like the fishermen in this passage, it can be frustrating and humbling when all our work does not bring us the returns that we expect or need. However, when we walk in the will of God, living a consecrated life dedicated to following Him, we can be confident, strong and courageous in the midst of our troubles. Walking in His will does not exclude storms in our lives, but by seeking His face during these times, we will be led by Him continuously through the close relationship we will have with Him. Our faith will be anchored in Him as we are walking in the middle of His will, He will help us to make the right decisions and adjustments needed. We only have to listen to and obey His word, which the fishermen did and it brought them a huge reward. We are very blessed to have the Lord journey with us on a daily basis. God is interested to teach and guide us through every twist and turn in this crisis.
Sermon Series: A Firm Footing
主 – 你生命旅途最好的向导
新冠病毒疫情期间的生活可以说是动荡不安的，因为世界正遭受经济风暴的影响，许多人正在失去工作，企业倒闭，公司政治加剧，重组和裁员不可避免. 股票市场前景不明，许多国家仍在想方设法试图逐步使国家恢复正常，并保护自己免受第二波病毒的影响。
由于整个世界和经济处于这种不确定状态，我们无法提前规划或制定战略。许多人将不得不对他们的生活作出重大调整。作为基督徒，我们的生活和计划也同样无法免除这些不确定因素及其变化所带来的影响。
路加福音5:1-11 耶稣站在革尼撒勒湖边，众人拥挤他，要听 神的道。 他见有两只船湾在湖边；打鱼的人却离开船洗网去了。 有一只船是西门的，耶稣就上去，请他把船撑开，稍微离岸，就坐下，从船上教训众人。 讲完了，对西门说：「把船开到水深之处，下网打鱼。」 西门说：「夫子，我们整夜劳力，并没有打着什么。但依从你的话，我就下网。」 他们下了网，就圈住许多鱼，网险些裂开， 便招呼那只船上的同伴来帮助。他们就来，把鱼装满了两只船，甚至船要沉下去。 西门·彼得看见，就俯伏在耶稣膝前，说：「主啊，离开我，我是个罪人！」 他和一切同在的人都惊讶这一网所打的鱼。 他的伙伴西庇太的儿子雅各、约翰，也是这样。耶稣对西门说：「不要怕！从今以后，你要得人了。」 他们把两只船拢了岸，就撇下所有的，跟从了耶稣。
如同这段经文中的渔夫们一样, 当我们付出的所有努力并没有带来我们期望或需要的回报时, 这让人感到沮丧和备受打击. 然而, 当我们行在神的旨意里, 跟随祂的带领活出分别为圣的生命的时候, 那么即便是处于困难中, 我们也满有信心, 且刚强壮胆. 行在祂的旨意里并不是说我们的生活中可以免除风暴, 但藉着在风暴中寻求祂的面, 籍着与祂的密切关系, 我们将不断得到祂的引领. 当我们行在祂的旨意里时,我们的信心就锚定在祂的里面。 祂将帮助我们作出正确的决定和必要的调整. 我们需要做的就是聆听并顺服祂的话语, 经文里的渔夫们正是这样做的, 他们得到了丰盛的回报. 我们非常蒙福因为主每天与我们同行. 神很乐意教导并带领我们，度过这场危机中的每一个沟沟坎坎。
讲章系列：稳固的根基