God's Promise of Deliverance

**God has given us everything we need**

For weeks we have been sharing our struggles with each other concerning Covid-19 and our “lock-down.” This sudden and sweeping pandemic has changed our lives. It has changed the face of our nation and even the world.

We’ve watched the news in anticipation, hoping and praying for relief from this deadly and invisible enemy. We’ve had to learn a new way to accomplish even the most ordinary task, like grocery shopping, church and school. It’s been tough and for many, terrifying.

Tonight, I want to share about how this has had a positive impact on me personally, in our family and across the nation. I want you to be thinking about things to share in our discussion time.

I think it’s safe to say that COVID-19 has caused us all to slow down. (?) Does anyone agree?

Well does that mean we have been in a bit of a hurry?

Would you say the world moves at a pace described as “break-neck?”

“People sometimes forget that a rat race can only be won by a rat.” -----------------------------------------------Paul Palmer

Jimmie Walker who was once the mayor of New York, tells the story of a drunk who climbed into a taxi and demanded, “drive me around Central Park eighteen times.” They had gotten about two blocks when he banged on the window and yelled “faster! I'm in a hurry!”

We may be thinking we are losing time, because we’re STUCK! We can’t go to our normal places. Can’t go to the gym. Can’t go shopping. A lot of people can’t even go to Work. Nobody can go to school. We are just stuck in the house with our families. :) For some, we are stuck with a lot of people, and that can be challenging.For some, you are the only one who lives in your house, and that can be challenging. You may be feeling alone and lonely.

But I will say this: **God has given us everything we need**

2 Peter 1:3–4 NLT

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

God is absolutely trustworthy. He is unchanging, powerful and faithful! He cares about you and that has not changed. He is the giver of good things.

James 1:17–18 NLT

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

God has the POWER to fulfil His Promises. Look at this in 1 Kings 8:56

1 Kings 8:56 NLT

“Praise the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses.

Looking back at 2 Peter...

2 Peter 1:3 NLT

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

I believe God is using Covid to bring us back to basics. Where we have been so busy going about here and there to very important appointments…Now, suddenly there’s nowhere to go. So, apparently those things are not what we needed to live a godly life.

In my family we are practicing things that were not habitual before the pandemic. We were too busy, with too many activities to have family Bible study together. Because literally every single day of the week was filled with activities. Very important activities. Sporting practice or games. School functions, as well as friends visits and parties.

But now we are praying together and studying God’s Word together as a family.

And where did we start? In the beginning.

I hear stories and see posts of many many families experiencing the same thing. And that is encouraging!

2 Peter 1:4 NLT

And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

The promises of God reveal His Eternal purposes.

He is more concerned that we spend eternity with Him than anything else in this world. He wants a relationship with His people.

You know Bibles are in Hot Demand right now. Like never before! CBN reported Bible verses posted on Facebook and other social media platforms has tripled compared to this time last year.

Global Media Outreach, a digital ministry that specializes in online evangelism has seen an unprecedented rise in conversions, questions about faith, God and the Bible with the coronavirus.

People are searching all types of questions about the Gospel like never before.

People are afraid and that has driven them to seek HIM.

We are pressing in as Christians. People are spending quality time with their family. Spending quality time in God’s Word and Prayer. We are learning new things and new ways to reach people in the midst of this.

God is turning this into a tool to be used for His Purpose. Focus on His Promises for our families, our communities, our nation and the world.