I’ve asked myself this question a lot during this unprecedented time.

But were all those prior years normal?

If so, what made them “normal,” and do I want normal to return post-pandemic?

As I’ve looked to the Bible for answers, three conditions stand out that will continue post-pandemic.

Uncertainty

I relish certainty. I want to know what will happen tomorrow. When can I take this mask off? What will the future hold after my husband retires in September? When can we worship at church with full capacity?

We can be certain that uncertainty will continue, for uncertainty is inherent in our walk with Jesus. “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7 CSB), do we not? God never reveals the panoramic view of our life but rather a glimpse here, a snapshot there. He provides just enough light to take the next step, with him walking by our side and his Spirit working through us.

Suffering

Being a Christian doesn’t grant us immunity from suffering. Peter wrote to believers, “Don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you as if something unusual were happening to you.” This past year surprised us with many “fiery ordeals.”

Living a life of faith does not exempt us from afflictions no matter how hard we pray against them. Rather, these trials mature us in the faith (James 1:4). They grow a strong spiritual backbone for future trials.

How do we navigate job losses, business closures, financial strain, health scares, and anything else the future throws at us? We walk through (not around) them with Christ. We seek his strength, his help, and his guidance. (I’d also add to seek Christian community.)

Death

Death knocks us out. Gut punches. Slays our hearts. Drains us of every ounce of energy. It might give us a few months of warning. Other times, it snatches the loved one without a moment’s notice.

Yet, death has remained with us since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit (Genesis 2:17). It doesn’t sit right because it never was God’s plan. God’s plan, however, provided a Savior to conquer sin and death through Jesus’s death and resurrection.

Some day we will see those loved ones again.

Until that time, may you find comfort in knowing Jesus weeps with you.

Don’t be discouraged, friend! There are remedies to these conditions—remedies rooted in the character of God.

God’s promises

God’s promises are “yes” and “amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20). The Message translates this verse “Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus.” Here are a few promises stamped with the Yes of Jesus:

I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28
I will provide. – Philippians 4:19
I will be with you. – Matthew 28:20
I will rescue you. – Romans 10:13
I will help you. – John 14:16

God’s Word

The Word of God never fades. It will never cease to exist. “The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever” (Isaiah 40:8 CSB). The Scriptures ground us through hard times. God speaks to our specific needs through his Word if we will look, listen, and obey.

Just today, I told God I was weary of chasing my dream. While cross-referencing a Scripture, God encouraged me with this passage, “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 CSB).

Coincidence? I don’t think so.

God’s Hope

As spring unfurls, COVID cases decrease, and Easter approaches, hope renews. I don’t know about you, but I could use a boost of hope. Not only the kind promised with a COVID vaccine but a continual hope supplied by God. The kind of hope securely anchored to him and unshakeable (Hebrews 6:19). A hope that’s always within our grasp—during a pandemic and post-pandemic.

Friends, we don’t know what the new normal will look like, but we can claim his promises, hear from God’s Word, and be filled with his hope no matter the conditions of our life.

What are you most looking forward to post-pandemic?