Cabin Fever

By |Published On: April 21, 2020|Categories: Joni's Posts|

I have cabin fever.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m BUSY working remotely on Joni and Friends projects (for one, sending nonstop video-encouragement by text to our special-needs families). But all of this is happening within the 2,000 sq. ft. of our home.

As a high risk quadriplegic with frail lungs, I cannot venture outside. Ken has the final word on where I go these days — he is so protective of me (and I can understand). Last weekend, I was hoping he might drive me to a local hiking trail in the Santa Monica mountains, but even those paths are closed.

Ken is not even venturing out to the supermarket, but letting one of my caregivers pick up frozen foods (that’s pretty much our diet these days).

He’s super-cautious about bringing any germs into the house – even when he gets a break to walk around the block, he steps off the sidewalk and into the street when passing a neighbor (and they do the same). So, pardon me but… I’ve got cabin fever.

As I work remotely on ministry from home, I am placing my hand on the Pilot’s wheel of scripture, as well as sage wisdom from saints of old.

During unsettling times, I park my wheelchair on the Rock of God’s Word, like Romans 8:28, “For we know that in all things God works together for the good of those who love him and who are called according to his purpose.” And later on in that same chapter? “What can separate us from the love of God?”

So, if I should contract this virus with my fragile lungs, I firmly believe a microbe cannot separate me from the love of God.

Now, you may be wondering, what’s so loving about God forcing this isolation? Octavius Winslow, a Puritan from the 19th century, answers this.

He wrote… “Be not then afraid. Calmly stay your faith on this divinely assured truth, that ‘all things work together for good to those who love God.’ Will it not be a good, if your present adversity results in the dethronement of some worshiped idol; in the endearing of Christ to your soul; in the closer conformity of your mind to God’s image; in the purification of your heart; in your more thorough fitness for Heaven; in a revival of God’s work within you; in stirring you up to more prayer?”

This is how God shows his love through this virus. I may have cabin fever, but this present adversity (as Winslow puts it) is resulting in the dethronement of more than a few worshipped idols, such as too much Netflix or the lack of fresh veggies (I’ve been told to stay away from fresh produce; I really miss spinach).

This present adversity is purifying my heart as Ken and I use this time to memorize Psalm 51. This adversity is reviving God’s work within me. And most of all, it’s stirring up in me much more prayer. These are the ways God is working this virus-lockdown for my good.

And I hope good for you, too. The old Puritan, Octavius Winslow, has a lot more sage wisdom to share in this time of hardship, so Google him and learn more. Or, share my thoughts today with your Facebook friends. And don’t forget, our Joni and Friends team is busy lifting up lots of prayer requests before the Lord Jesus, so visit joniandfriends.org and let us know how we can pray for you. Especially if you have cabin fever!

–Joni Eareckson Tada

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