Pastor's Corner: Despite changes, God is still in control

I have heard it said that the only constant in the world is change. I have never found that to be any truer than this year. I know I had big plans and high expectations when the calendar flipped to 2020. How about you? Has 2020 lived up to your expectations so far? Me either.

I want to be clear. COVID-19 is serious. It is especially serious to those who find themselves in one of the high-risk categories; over the age of 65, preexisting medical conditions, etc. I know that this virus has affected many of you directly and indirectly.

I know I have said the words, “I can’t wait until things get back to normal.” But is normal really the best thing? I know there was a time when people rode horses everywhere. The automobile was invented, and we had a new normal.

I remember as a kid, to make a phone call we had to stand or sit by the phone because it was mounted on the wall. The cell phone was invented and we now have a new normal.

When we finally come out of COVID-19, the shelter in place, social distancing, etc., we will walk in a new normal. This may not be altogether bad. I am looking forward to what God will do with our new normal. I believe God has used these new normals to reach the lost in this world.

Now that we all drive cars, we can drive farther than a horse can go to reach the world around us. Since the invention of the cell phone, we are available 24/7 to make contact with those that are hurting around us.

I do not know what tomorrow holds. But I do know who holds all of my tomorrows. I have no idea what the new normal in our world will look like, but I know that God will allow doors to be opened to people that we thought would never be opened.

I know I will do anything short of sin to see someone come to Jesus. I am excited to see what God is getting ready to do in our communities.

Never forget that numbers are important. Because every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God.

Hang in there my friends. God is still in control.

The best is yet to come.

Steve Dobbs is pastor of Community Circle Church in Shafter.