MY COVID CLASSROOM

MY COVID CLASSROOM
Sunday, December 12, 2021 by Leona

My long life has been a classroom. At this late stage, Covid has been a part of my learning experience. God has been teaching me to follow Him in the inevitable ups and downs of life and to trust His purposes. With the apostle Paul in Philippians 1:12 TLB, I declare, “I want you to know this: Everything that has happened to me here has been a great boost in getting out the Good News concerning Christ.” I can say this about my Covid illness which, Lord willing, I am surviving. It has been a serious learning reminder ”to count our days, to number them, to consider our mortality, the brevity of our lives.” (Psalm 90:12) “Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may live wisely and well.”

Going through COVID is not a time to ask “Why should this happen to me?” but to ask the Lord, “What do You want me to learn?”

SO WHAT HAVE I BEEN RE-LEARNING?

That I shouldn't think it strange to be going through such a trial. Even as the Lord's redeemed we are part of the world's system. We live in a fallen world of contagion. Nor do we need to think of this “plague” as a personal punishment from God. We might even be experiencing collective fallout from the national or global judgment of God for mankind's gross sins. Let's leave the purposes to God. His love and mercy let it rain on the just and on the unjust. Whatever God allows me to go through is for His greater purpose. All good.

I am re-learning that I am not in control of my life—God is. I have surrendered my life to Him, and He will see to it that His purpose through me will be completed by life or by death. I accept it all and call it good.

It is God who has generously blessed me with longevity. Jesus is clear that through my own efforts I can't add a cubit to my height or a day or month to my life. (Matt. 6:27) My times are in His hands.

I'm re-learning that I am mortal, fragile flesh, and my life is as transient and brief as mist, vapor, grass, dust, and fading flowers; that my body of flesh will die either through this illness or later when I have reached His measure of days for me—and not before. I should not be anxious or fearful of whatever He brings me through.

I'm realizing anew that I have an eternal, precious, undying, forever soul that is not perishable, that God will bring to Heaven to be with Him when I temporarily lay my body of flesh aside.

I rejoice that my mortal body will be resurrected at Jesus' second coming and reunited with my soul to live in an immortal state like Jesus' glorious resurrected body. [Order my most recent book “Will We Need Cell Phones in Heaven? Exploring Eternal Life Together.”]Someone will send out orders for me promptly until I'm strong enough. Order through my email: [email protected]

Why do I call this Covid illness and its uncertain survival a “win-win” situation? Because whether I live or die, I agree with Paul (Phil. 1:12-26) that whatever outcome, it is the best. It's not my choice at all—it depends on whether God still needs me on earth a little longer for your sake, to help you grow and become happy in your faith...” I've been on earth to do the Father's business all my life. If that time is still extended, the reason remains clear. “I will not die but live and will proclaim what the Lord has done” (Psalm 118:17).

Life is short. Eternity is long. Everyone leaves behind a positive or negative legacy. To invest in people's lives for eternity is more important than to accumulate or pass on possessions. It was Jesus' idea that we should store up treasures in Heaven. If I am to survive a little longer on earth, it is for that purpose.

I initially thought to wait until I am fully recovered from Covid and have the strength to share my learnings with you. However, whatever the Lord lays on our hearts to do, let's obey promptly. Even while I have been receiving the welcome prayers of my concerned friends for my healing and recovery, and have, in turn, been praying for their urgent requests which they shared with me—some of them have also been suddenly taken into God's presence. We never know how close we might be to the finish line of our lives. (Luke 12:20) We might be called to account for our souls “this very night.” In James 4:13-15, we find our acceptable attitude toward making our plans for the following day or year...”If God wills....”

“For to me, to live is Christ [He is my source of joy, my reason to live] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity].” (Phil. 1:21 AMP)

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Comments

Dorothy Daniels From At 12/19/2021 1:31:44 PM

This really comforted me, Leona. So glad to hear from you.

Reply by: Leona Choy

May some things you recall from the past year that were an unexpected blessing from God to help you over some of the rough places you encountered--be on your mind with gratitude. The Lord has plans for good for you this coming year, although they may be disguised as negative things. Trust God to know what He is doing in your life.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 12/15/2021 3:59:05 PM

Leona, thank you for sharing your lessons with us! I am praying that God places His mighty healing hand on you and restores you to optimum health soon.

Reply by: Leona Choy

Thank you for your prayers. Covid has left behind rather extreme fatigue, which, coupled with the aging factor, makes me in great need of the energizing of the Holy Spirit. I want to continue to be available to carry out His calling to encourage His children to remain steadfast and faithful to Him in the perilous times we will all be facing. SAL

Lindsay Van Sicklen From Arkadelphia Arkansas At 12/14/2021 12:51:45 PM

Love the wisdom the Lord continues to give you. Sending love and prayers.

Reply by: Leona Choy

I'm thankful for your friendship, Lindsay, and I pray for your influence for the Lord in the circle of your many international friends where God planted you

Beatrice From San Diego, CA At 12/14/2021 1:43:55 AM

Wonderful message, Leona. Amen to all you said. We live for Him, our beloved Lord.

Reply by: Leona Choy

Dear Beatrice, I know you are available to the Lord as His faithful witness where the Lord planted you to reside. I pray for your wise influence on your grown children and young grandchildren. As you recognize your increasing weakness and limitations as the years go by, may you lean more heavily on the Lord for everyday renewal in His presence

Jean From Lynchburg VA At 12/13/2021 9:11:50 PM

Praying for you, Leona! Psalm 103!

Reply by: Leona Choy

Yes, Jean, a favorite Psalm. Especially verse 5 and God's promise of eagle renewal of youthful energy. As the years go by, natural energy decreases but we lean all the harder on an infusion of Holy Spirit energy to remain steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. May you experience that in its fullness.

Sandra de Azagra From Stephens City At 12/13/2021 1:52:01 PM

Dear Leona, Thank you for writing “My Covid Classroom” It is beautiful. You truly have been God sent in your life and completely successful in helping so many grow in their faith and to find the true joy of a life with Christ. Rest and feel better soon! Sandra de Azagra

Reply by: Leona Choy

Oh how I would enjoy even an impromptu visit from you,Sandra, now that I am over Covid, thank God. I have leftover extreme fatigue,but please pray that it will be just one of the rough places the Lord may make smooth and I can continue my calling of encouraging God's children to remain steadfast. Any chance of a visit from you? Sal

Louise From Seattle, WA At 12/13/2021 12:58:59 PM

I am sitting here in my 90’s resting in Jesus. I know I will go to heaven at God’s timing whether with COVID or something else. God has given me a long and blessed life.

Reply by: Leona Choy

Yes, Louise,"Praise God from whom all blessings flow" during our mutual long lifetimes. Yes, resting in Jesus,while still making ourselves available to Him in the circle of influence where He planted us. If you confirm your address, I want to send you a gift copy of my most recent book as an appetizer for Heaven. SAL

Billye Dymally From Raleigh NC At 12/13/2021 12:45:28 PM

Leona, so aptly put! We have a chance to truly magnify God's glory by our thanksgiving and praise during this blessed time of deep trial. Blessed! Why? because God is refining His church, separating the wheat from among the tares and deepening our awareness of His presence and power. Halleluja

Reply by: Leona Choy

Dear Friend in Jesus Billye,your words are always encouraging and challenging. Yes, God is refining His church. If you confirm your mailing address, I would like to send you a gift copy of my most recent book as an appetizer for Heaven. "SAL"

Ernest Lam From Orinda, CA At 12/13/2021 10:58:22 AM

I am so thankful that you are doing well and has the passion to share. May God continue to heal you and add strength to you to bless others. Ernest

Reply by: Leona Choy

Thank you for your prayers. I survived COVID with God's help but the extreme fatigue continues.There is the aging factor we have in common, so we are in constant need of an infusion of the Holy Spirit's energizing so we can continue with our calling from Him. If you confirm your address,I want to send you a gift copy of my recent book.

Janice martin From Winchester, VA At 12/13/2021 10:32:31 AM

Wow Leona you sound all recovered,yet We continue prayers for you & Rick..... With love, JAN & LARRY

Reply by: Leona Choy

Thank you for your prayers.I've survived COVID,thank God,but am left with ongoing fatigue. Pray for energy from God to continue my calling to encourage His children in these perilous times. If you confirm your mailing address, I'd like to send you a gift copy of my recent "appetizer for Heaven" book.Hope you would pass it on to others. "Sal"

Bill Costello From Winchester At 12/13/2021 9:12:28 AM

Oh Leona, you have been, and continue to be, an inspiration to all who know you. Pax tecum

Reply by: Leona Choy

Dear Friends, thanks for your encouraging words. God helped me survive COVID but extreme fatigue is still hanging around for which I would appreciate prayer so that I may continue with energy to fulfill my calling.If you confirm your mailing address, I'd like to send you a gift copy of my recent book as "an appetizer for Heaven." "SAL"

Carole From Maple Valley , Wa At 12/13/2021 8:05:10 AM

So very happy to read you are doing better Leona. God isn't finished with you yet. PTL

Reply by: Leona Choy

God helped my survive COVID but the extreme fatigue hangs around. Would appreciate prayer for a daily infusion of energy from the Holy Spirit. If you confirm your mailing address, I'd like to send you a gift copy of my recent book which is "an appetizer for Heaven." "SAL"

Nancy Hoag From Montana At 12/13/2021 8:01:18 AM

Dear,Dear Friend. I rejoice that I have found a note from you this morning. What a precious way to begin my quiet time...reading and praying and receiving this reminder that our times are indeed in God's hands. I do pray that the COVID will soon be a thing of the past. Get well, we need you. Nancy

Reply by: Leona Choy

Thank God, I survived COVID. Please pray for the extreme fatigue it left behind. I need a daily fresh infusion of the Holy Spirit.If you don't have a copy of my recent book, I want to send you a gift copy if you will confirm your mailing address. It is "an appetizer for Heaven." Love, "SAL"

Margaret From Halifax, NS At 12/13/2021 7:41:51 AM

Bless you my sister for sharing your experiences with God to encourage us and glorify Him. Faithful is He who hath called you. May His healing hands touch you today......bring strength and healing to your whole being. Love & Prayersn

Reply by: Leona Choy

Thank you for your prayers, Margaret. COVID is over, thank God, but I need continued prayer for the leftover extreme fatigue. Of course, my age of 96 might be something to factor in. I want to keep encouraging God's children to be steadfast and faithful in the perilous days that are coming upon us. "SAL"

Dot From Dan At 12/13/2021 7:32:36 AM

"We never know how close we are to the finish line." I run with you, Leona. Perhaps we will cross together? Who will know? And who knows? I posted a rosy glow this morning on Facebook. Enjoy. God is and all is well.

Reply by: Leona Choy

My goodness,girl, you were such a good looking young woman from your vintage pix. You are still beautiful, dear friend, and you are one of God's favorites. I thank God for our friendship which somehow began through dear Barbara Curtis.

Mark Carey From At 12/13/2021 6:41:43 AM

Excellent words of truth, Leona!! Thanks for sharing. May the Lord continue His healing work in your life today!

Reply by: Leona Choy

I appreciate your encouragement,pastor Mark. God helped me (and my family) survive COVID but I need continued prayer for the leftover extreme fatigue it has left behind.Of course my advanced age might factor in...I want to continue my calling to encourage God's people to remain steadfast in the perilous times that are fast coming upon us.

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