"Don't Waste Your Quarantine" - Juliana Nicolette

I’ve had the honor of being able to do life with Juliana over the past few years from having her in my college-aged small group to mentoring her when she was in our church’s “uncommon” internship, to seeing her soak up the Word like a sponge and blossom as she grew into this sweet and wise woman of God. She is the best combo of mature and fun, she is so kind, loves the cotton eyed joe, has wisdom beyond her years, could have the song “celebrate” on repeat, she is an administrative queen, has the best dog voice imitation, and is so soooo thoughtful. She serves alongside her husband -one of our youth pastors, leading so many to know and love the Lord more. She has not only become a dear friend but she is family and I am so grateful for her example! As you read what she has to share, I pray that you are encouraged and stirred on to get away with and know the Lord more during your time of quarantine.

Don’t Waste Your Quarantine

Juliana Nicolette

I feel that this is such a unique and special time to see, be reminded of and be changed by the beauty of the Lord. It’s so easy to get caught up and lose track of the beauty of our God in the midst of our everyday busyness. I’m a person who absolutely loves a structured day, a planned week and to get those to-do lists done! Although they are good things, a challenge I battle with is to slow down, be still and soak-in God and all of His goodness without feeling rushed to get that next thing done or not even carving out enough time to have quality time with God.

I want to encourage you to not let this quarantine pass you by without letting God go deeper with you. For once in my life and maybe yours too, most of what we do and the places we go have been stripped away and totally stopped. Shopping, meals with family, delicious dinners out with friends or your loved one, surprise birthday celebrations, feeling refreshed after a haircut, planning a tropical vacation, going to concerts, taking a trip somewhere new, and... OK I’ll stop, but the list goes on. There is no better time than now, to know and be known by the Creator of the Universe. The One who made it all. The One who gives us everything we have. I am thankful to be forced to slow down and be reminded that God is all that I need. God is all that I want. Lord, be my one and only treasure! I’ve been reading through Isaiah and love what this verse says: “He [the LORD] will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure” (33:6).

As you have some extra time on your hands, no people to manage at work, etc. Let God show you where you’ve been finding your comfort and maybe even your worth or identity. Be freed from feeling valuable because of your performance in the workplace or anywhere else. Be secured in the fact that God chose you, and gave His only son, Jesus to be able to have a relationship with you. Let God be your joy, let Him be your happiness, let Him be your comfort, let Him be what you wake up early for and go to bed late for, let what He says about you make you worthy and valuable, let Him be your identity. He calls us His own! What a time, when everything else is stripped away, that God can come in and be what we were looking for all along.

I don’t want to overlook the difficulties and hardships that COVID-19 has brought for many in different ways. My prayer is that no matter what you are facing in this season, we can look to the One who is in control and never changing. Our world changed over- night, but God will never. Press into who He is, cling onto His characteristics that will never waiver. He will not leave you to face this on your own or expect you to have all the answers. He will be your daily bread. He will be your strength. Isaiah also says: “I will take you by the hand and keep you” (42:6), “I have chosen you and not cast you off... 10 I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand” (41:9,10). He promises. God knows the exact situations we are all facing and will take care of us. I love the verse from Isaiah that says “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young” (40:10). I love this picture of God caring for each of us in the ways that we exactly need. Be comforted by the fact that your Heavenly Father hears you, sees you and cares for your every need!