People around the world are trying to figure out what is truly happening. When is this pandemic going to end? That is the trillions of dollars question. The world’s most powerful economies hurt. Nations have attempted to figure out what to do to protect their citizens. What are we to make of such extraordinary circumstances? Someone once told me, “Daniel we don’t learn most from our experiences, we learn most from reflecting on our experiences!” And that is certainly true in many ways.

Therefore, I would like to offer you 19 different lessons Covid-19 has taught me:*

1. That we often take for granted the essential things in life. Such as going to the grocery store, filling up our cars with gas, attending class, church, shows, and other gatherings. This fact reveals something even deeper: that I often forget to be thankful to God for his goodness over my life (Psalm 107:1)
2. That we all possess a false sense of control over our lives. Notice how quickly things can get out of control simply through the spread of an invisible deadly virus. Ultimately, only God is in control of all things (Isaiah 45:7). 
3. That I often rely more on myself than on the strength of the Lord through prayer (1 Peter 4:7). 
4. That prayer increases and becomes more purposeful during times of crisis, and that’s a good thing! 
5. That we all long for fellowship and close community. Fellowship and community are essential for healthy (and godly) living. When we can’t meet together we miss it. Sounds simple? Well, it is. But it is also true. 
6. That as an extrovert, I realize now how much I long for human interaction. 
7. That touch is essential for human relationships. Covid-19 has taught us that even simple actions, like a simple handshake, or touch, can lead to grave consequences. Nevertheless, we will still long for touch because it communicates to others that we care. It is part of living in a broken world.
8. That fear, like Covid-19, is an invisible enemy in our society. This pandemic has revealed how our society is motivated and affected by fear. Fear is currently being unveiled as stores being ransacked, the stock market crashing, and the media (not all, but, in great part) per usual, is creating a narrative of fear. 
9. That we must respect government, even when it is inconvenient for us; even when our freedom is infringed upon (Romans 13).
10. That we should play a responsible role to ensure others are healthy. The unified actions of the collective is necessary in times of nationwide distress. 
11. That God is in control, and I need to rest in knowing that all evil, pain, suffering, disease, and illness will one day be done away with! (Revelation 21:5).
12. That church is not a building. Though our congregations are presently unable to meet together to worship and exalt Christ, the church is alive and well.
13. That we can and should encourage each other more often. Instead of looking to the here and now, we ought to live in the hope we have in Christ, and spread that hope to others! (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
14. That we should spend more quality time with family. Being “forced” to stay at home will prove to be a blessing to all who choose to take such times as these to strengthen family ties. 
15. That Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO, or Disney plus can provide us with an escape from reality, but they are never going to fully be able to satisfy us, only Christ can. 
16. That I pay more attention to what is closest to me like my sons, wife, friends, co-workers, and home. 
17. That we have to get creative to adapt to extraordinary circumstances 
18. That laziness creeps in when routine is infringed upon. If left unchecked, laziness can become a habit you develop. 
19. That social media reveals people’s true character, biases, fears, beliefs, and worldview. This fact should remind us that is best to be slow to speak, quick to hear, and slow to anger (James 1:19)

Written by Daniel Messina

*I offer a few biblical verses in this blog for reflection.

Check out one of my other articles here: https://thepreachersdevoblog.com/what-the-coronavirus-outbreak-teaches-us-about-the-church/