Have you considered God’s intention in Leviticus 25:1-13 (The Year of Jubilee)? In this Judeo-Christian tradition, after seven cycles of seven years, the 50th year was a time of rest. During the Creation, the Scriptures convey that on the seventh day God rested. During Jubilee, all work ceased, debts were expunged, slaves and captives were freed, the land was unworked and commerce stopped. In this way, all things were given time to reset. What if the year 2020, amidst all the hardships, God intended to give humanity a time to pause and reflect on the essentials, such as faith, family and friends? Subsequently, 2021 can be time to breathe, reevaluate purpose and remove toxic relationships.

The Scriptures remind us that God intentionally established this “Day of Rest” (the Sabbath) for our benefit (Mark 2:27). From this foundational premise, God establishes a tradition with His people that offers them a time to “start over.” Within the Christian faith, we are constantly reminded of the grace God affords to His children as He sojourns with us in this unpredictable topography of life (Romans 8:28). So, what are we to gain if granted tomorrow?

In reflecting, this pandemic has seriously affected the global economy. Unemployment is on the rise. Many have lost family members, friends and co-workers, and everyday life has completely been rearranged in most instances. We see more people teleworking as a result of social-distancing precautions; many family-owned establishments have shut down and the familiar entertainment opportunities that once gave us comfort are now reduced.

You ask, “When will things go back to normal?” Yet, who defines normal? Was God pleased with our definition of “normal,” or in His sovereignty has COVID-19 been allowed to prevail as a “wake-up call” to the world? No matter how you choose to reconcile today’s events, humanity has been put on notice.

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:13-15)

1. Practically speaking, the “hustle” or daily grind does not define you.
2. Be intentional in finding rest (smelling the roses).
3. Invest in non-toxic relationships—they are important.
4. Use your influence to edify others instead of tearing them down.
5. Plan a fun trip that enables you to relax.

Stay confident in knowing that we are still standing, continue to hold up one another, breathe and know that, despite everything, we are blessed.

Grand Canyon University has been training Christians in ministry since its inception. If you are interested in pursuing a career in ministry, GCU's College of Theology has many degree programs, including Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry and Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies.