Fruitful Living

10 things to stop taking for granted after the pandemic (part one)

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. – Psalm 107:28-31

INTRODUCTION

When you’re in the middle of a storm, it’s hard to imagine that it could ever end. When the thunder is crashing and the lightning is flashing, we start to think the storm is there to stay. We see the storm as all-consuming and frightening. Logically, we know that at some point, the sun will peek from behind the dark clouds, the air will clear, and the water will dry up. But convincing our emotions and fears to listen to logic is often a losing battle.

When we’re parenting prodigals, nervously eyeing our dwindling bank accounts, taking care of aging parents, or going through a health battle—the storm can seem never-ending.

COVID-19 pandemic has felt the same. Worry, anxiety, and concern abound over all the what-if’s and unknowns. I don’t know about you but I have struggled with the illogical questions of “what if this never ends? What if we’re stuck in our houses forever?” But, like every storm, COVID 19 pandemic will eventually pass. There might be lingering damage in its wake, but the waters will recede. Our country’s “new normal” might look a little different than it did before the pandemic, but there will be a new normal. Life will resume.

The question becomes—

Will we be ready?
Will we forget the lessons learned during this pandemic?
Will we go right back to complaining about the heat of the sun and forget about the torrents of rain that just ended?
Or will we have a heart that’s permanently grateful, focused on thanksgiving, and ever counting your blessings?

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

HERE ARE 10 THINGS TO STOP TAKING FOR GRANTED AFTER THE PANDEMIC.

1. CHURCH

The Bible is clear in its command to meet with other believers on a regular basis.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” – Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV).

The church needs each other. Many churches were able to meet via online sessions during the pandemic, while others had drive-up services where each family stayed in their car. While the church itself isn’t a brick-and-mortar building, there’s something very beneficial in meeting together, in person, in a building on a weekly basis. When the pandemic is over, let us be sure not to take for granted the blessing of fellowshipping together in church.

2. THE LORD’S PRESENCE

When people are going through hard times, the presence of the Lord is stronger than ever in their lives. Typically, this is due to the pressing need and lack of distractions. When we truly feel our need for the Lord, idols fade to the background. Our need for Christ is the same every day, but in times of trial, it weighs heavier on the heart.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

After the pandemic, let us be sure not to let the Lord’s nearness and our need for Him fade. Let us keep that in the forefront through praise and prayer.

3. SOCIAL LIFE

One thing I know I’ll never take for granted again is the ability to go and socialize with others, outside of the house. Eating inside a restaurant, leisurely strolling through the street and enjoying a crowded concert or watching football at the stadium will never be the same again. Hopefully, we’ll all be grateful in new ways for these old joys and simple pleasures.

4. PHYSICAL CONTACT

Physical affection is a legitimate need for many. Having to refrain from handshakes, high fives, and hugs has been difficult for me and I am sure for a lot of people. When the pandemic is over, let us be careful not to take for granted the freedom to give and receive affection.

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11-12 (ESV)

5. EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS

The pandemic has separated many families. With the government-issued direction to avoid other households, many extended family members have not been able to communicate in person—especially those at high risk. When the danger of the pandemic subsides, let us remember how eager we were to see our family and friends, and let us make the most of it.

Fruitful Living

Hope – seeing the unseen

As children of God, we eagerly anticipate this future glory. This hope motivates us to endure present hardships, knowing that they pale in comparison to the joy that awaits us. The ultimate hope of the believer is the eradication of sin and death, and the perfection of our souls in Christ.

The Example of Paul

The Apostle Paul exemplified unwavering hope. He was not afraid of death because he was confident in his eternal destiny. He declared in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8: “Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

Facing the future can bring anxiety, but if we believe in Christ, we can share Paul’s confidence. This hope should inspire us to live faithfully, knowing that our eternal home is secure in Christ.

Hope and Personal Transformation

Many of us struggle with our past failures and sins. However, hope in Christ allows us to release our past and embrace the future. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Rather than dwelling on past mistakes, we should focus on growing in our knowledge of God and deepening our relationship with Him. Our sins are forgiven, and through hope, we can move forward into a life of greater purpose and fulfillment.

Seeing the Unseen

Living by faith requires us to see beyond the natural world. We are called to perceive the unseen reality of God’s promises. 2 Corinthians 4:18 reiterates this truth: “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

This perspective enables us to endure hardships, knowing that our ultimate reward is not found in this life but in the eternal kingdom of God. Hope empowers us to move forward, trusting that God is leading us to a place of fulfillment.

Conclusion

Seeing the unseen is fundamental to a life of faith. As believers, we are called to look beyond the visible and trust in the eternal promises of God. Hope strengthens us to persevere through difficulties, knowing that our present struggles are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us.

Just as Paul pressed forward, undeterred by past failures and present trials, we too must hold on to the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. Our hope assures us that one day, all suffering will be replaced with joy, and every tear will be wiped away. Let us, therefore, live each day with unwavering faith, keeping our eyes on the unseen, and allowing God’s Word to guide us into His glorious future.

Culled from faithgateway.com.

Stay Blessed!

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By Dr Joyce Aryee, the author

Fruitful Living

Conditions, rules, regulations of fasting (Pt.2)

Who is Required to Fast?

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim who meets the following conditions:

Muslim – Fasting is only required for those who believe in Islam.
Mature (Baligh) – A person must have reached puberty.
Of Sound Mind – A person must be mentally capable of understanding the obligation.
Physically Able – A person must be in good health.
Non-Traveler (Muqeem) – Fasting is not required for those traveling long distances.

Who is Excused from Fasting?

Islam, in its wisdom and mercy, has granted exemptions to those who are unable to fast. These exemptions are categorised as follows:

Those Who Are Completely Exempt and Must Pay Fidya

Some people are permanently unable to fast due to health reasons. Instead, they are required to feed a poor person for each day they miss fasting. This is based on the Quranic verse:

“And upon those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, there is a ransom (fidya): feeding a poor person.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184)

This category includes:

Elderly individuals who are too weak to fast.
Chronically ill patients who have permanent health conditions that prevent fasting.

Those Who Are Temporarily Exempt but Must Make Up Their Fasts

Sick individuals with temporary illness.
Travellers who undertake a journey that permits shortening of prayer (Qasr Salah).
Pregnant women and lactating mothers who fear for their health or their child’s well-being.

The Qur’an states:

“But if any of you is ill or on a journey, then the same number of days must be made up later.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

These individuals must fast later once their situation allows them to do so.

Women in Special Circumstances

Menstruating women: It is prohibited for them to fast, and they must make up the missed fasts later (Bukhari, 1951).
Pregnant and breastfeeding women: They are exempt if fasting poses a hardship. Some scholars allow them to pay fidya if they fear only for the child and not themselves.

Key Things to Observe Before Starting the Fast

Make Up Outstanding Fasts – Complete any missed obligatory fasts before Ramadan.
Confirm the Sighting of the Crescent Moon – Follow the method of local or global moon sighting.
Make the Intention (Niyyah) – It must be made before Fajr (Abu Dawood, 2454).
Eat Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal) – It is Sunnah and provides blessings (Bukhari, 1923).
Be Mindful of Suhoor Time – Stop eating at Fajr time.

Prohibited Actions During Fasting

Eating and drinking during fasting hours.
Marital relations (intercourse) during the day (Bukhari, 1936).
Taking nutritional injections that provide nourishment.
Smoking as it breaks the fast.
Engaging in sinful behaviour like lying and backbiting (Bukhari, 1903).

Recommendations for a Rewarding Ramadan

Increase in worship – Pray Tahajjud, recite Quran, and make Du’a frequently.
Give generously in charity – The Prophet (ﷺ) was most generous in Ramadan (Bukhari, 1902).
Observe I’tikaf in the last ten nights to seek Laylatul Qadr.
Strengthen relationships – Seek forgiveness and maintain ties of kinship.

In conclusion, dear brothers and sisters, fasting in Ramadan is a divine gift and an opportunity for immense rewards. It is not just about abstaining from food and drink, but a means to purify our hearts, strengthen our faith, and attain taqwa.

Let us take this opportunity to repent for our past sins, seek Allah’s mercy, and strive for spiritual growth. May Allah grant us the strength to fast sincerely and accept our efforts in this blessed month.

Ameen.

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