He Will Lead Us

As I write this meditation, the world is in great distress.

A pandemic is plaguing humanity; those who do not suffer from the disease face its consequences: social isolation, unemployment, and insecurity.

Churches were forced to close, as were some types of commerce and other activities considered nonessential and having a high rate of contagion.

We lost physical contact, and many people found themselves in emotional isolation —a painful feeling that creates a huge void in the soul.

After four months of uncertainty, I felt saddened about not being able to attend church services, about being away from my brothers, family, and work colleagues.

With a hushed voice, I cried out to God for help; I needed an answer to not panic. That night when I slept, I dreamed that I was with other people in a city about to be destroyed by a terrible cyclone.

The strong wind surrounded us, and the gusts brought fear and dread. All the houses were closed, and no one would let us in.

I noticed that some houses were fragile and possibly would not withstand the storm, but the residents refused to leave them.

With nowhere to hide, wet and cold, we all entered a simple tent surrounded by canvas and wooden boards; inside it, we had only one chair to sit on.

The cyclone came and destroyed the entire city, but our tent was intact —even though it was the most fragile dwelling there.

The wind that howled outside did not even stir the hair of anyone inside the small hut; a lull surrounded us. Then someone said: “We are like the disciples in the rough Sea of Galilee; Jesus is here with us, so we are safe.” It thrills me to remember this dream. It made me realize how much God cares about my fears and problems.

That night I realized that Jesus is with us all the time.

We do not know when this pandemic will pass.

But we believe that God will be inside our small, fragile tent.

Nothing will shake us. What security in Christ we have!

Sueli da Silva Pereira