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About the author: Mariam Hanna was born and raised in Minia, a small city in the south of Egypt. After graduating form the school of Pharmacy, she moved to Cairo where she worked for an international pharmaceutical company. In 1997 she got married to Maged and was blessed with twins, a boy and a girl, and became a full-time mother. In 2004 she was called to join the administrative staff of the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo where she currently serves as the Director of Development and International Relations 

Today's scripture: Habakkuk 3:16-19

It has been two months now since the Egyptian government has announced that COVID-19 cases are seriously increasing and ordered for partial lockdown. At the beginning my family and I were trying to make the best out of the situation. For the first time in many years we had the opportunity to spend quality time together and connect in deeper ways. I was even grateful that God has used the pandemic to silence the crazy sounds of life and I pray that he speaks to us in ways we never experienced before.

But as days passed my feelings started to change. What I hear every day makes me understand how serious the situation is. Every day that passes brings even worse news. My thoughts about what tomorrow might bring is becoming overwhelming. My strength is fading as I struggle to overcome my fears. My fears are stealing my joy and peace. There is no hope that tomorrow will be better.

Fear and despair can really be paralyzing.

I remember Habakkuk as he seemed to encounter similar feelings:

“I heard and my heart pounded,
    my lips quivered at the sound (daily news);
decay crept into my bones,
    and my legs trembled.”  Habakkuk 3: 16

He continues saying that things are getting worse just like the situation we currently live. Yet…..

“yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
    he enables me to tread on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:18-19 

Prayer:

Father,
I turn to you with my fears and despair and ask for your help. My feet are failing me, please be my strength. Help me through these difficult days and fill my heart with joy in you by the power of your Holy Spirit. Teach me to trust your perfect will for my life. Help me to live a fruitful life in all circumstances.
In Jesus name,
Amen.

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