#walkingwithgod

The Corona Virus: a pandemic that seems to be spreading faster than any wildfire could. What originated in a little town in China has now surfaced across the globe causing damage, sickness and unease along the way. 

Our current affairs truly leave little room for indifference. While many have been gripped by fear and have opted to purchase groceries in bulk, others choose to ignore the pleas to stay at home and are instead carrying on as per usual. 

On this side of the globe, even our church activities have come to a halt. Sermons are being broadcast and cell groups are now conference calls. It’s safe to say that every aspect of life is affected and it’s easy to let the outer chaos cause havoc within our souls.

How do we cope with everything going on in the world? What truths do we cling to during this time? Where do we find comfort and respite amidst the unknown? 

Praise God, that we have His wonderful truths to remember. Let’s dive head first into some encouragement, shall we?

The Bible reminds us of the following three things:

1.  We need not be held by fear but can find assurance in love

When we understand who God is and, consequently, who we are, thanks to His grace, fear and anxiety don’t stand a chance: He is a loving Father and we are His dearly loved children. John’s New Testament letter describes God’s love fittingly: 

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

- 1 John 4 : 18 - 

We are set free from fear because of God’s unfailing love; worry has no power over us anymore. Yes, in this life we may still struggle with anxiousness, but God has us in the palm of His hand. He will never leave us. He reassures us because He cares for us more than we will ever fathom. All we need to do, is ask Him to relieve us from the burden: 

I sought the Lord, and he answered me: he delivered me from all my fears.

- Psalm 34 : 4 -

As we focus on Christ, meditate on the Scriptures and pray to the Almighty, He will speak to our worried hearts, give us peace and strengthen us. The more we allow God’s love to encompass us, the less room fear will have. He stays true to His promises. So, in this time of global crisis, let’s look to the One who loves immeasurably and find comfort:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

- Psalm 91 : 1 - 

2. God is still in control amidst the uncertainty

Waking up to more information on the pandemic each morning can be draining and disheartening. Instead of looking forward to a new day, we may find ourselves preoccupied with negative thoughts. And as we practice “social distancing”, those thoughts may fester and grow all the more. 

Dear friend, please remember that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Though our circumstances, emotions and health may change, He is faithful and constant:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

- Lamentations 3 : 22 - 23 -

Even in the mornings of uncertainty, God’s promises remain. He is in control and continually working out His will in all of our lives. No matter what happens, Jesus is still sovereign. 

I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’

- Isaiah 46 : 9b - 10 - 

When facing trials, we often try to plan ahead, figure things out and fix our problems; but with God at our side, we don’t need to rescue ourselves. Neither sickness, nor sin, nor any other authority in this world is stronger than the Lord. 

3. The virus is indicative that we are in need of saving grace 

COVID-19 is not our biggest problem and certainly not the deadliest disease threatening mankind. We live in a fallen world marked by sin: a sickness so detrimental, that God had to take drastic action to save us. 

The Maker of heaven and earth sent His Son to die for our transgressions in order for us to live in fellowship with Him again. We needed a Saviour and, before we had understood our depravity, God provided. 

That doesn’t mean that we as Christians escape pandemics and crises, but the day is coming, when we will be set free from sin’s bondage and its effects for good. Paul describes this reality as follows: 

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

- Romans 8 : 22 - 23 - 

We have an eternal hope to look forward to, a hope that sickness and sin cannot ever steal away. Isn’t that amazing? 

However, many of those experiencing the effects of this outbreak, don’t share the same perspective. When faced with such global chaos, questions may arise; the gravity of a futile world suddenly becomes daunting: Why is there so much suffering in the world? Why did the virus take my sister/mother/grandmother from me? Is there something more to life?

This season of uncertainty, as difficult as it may be, also presents opportunities to bear witness to the hope Christians have. Now, more than ever, we can shine for the Lord by sharing His redemption, peace and love with those who need it most. 

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

- 1 Peter 3 : 15 - 

In this time of social distancing, uncertainty and/or anxiousness, we Christians can and should be a light in the world, more so than ever: 

By living out the Lord’s command to love one another (even from a distance), we can encourage and uplift during this difficult time: contacting friends and family regularly, praying for them and reading Scripture together over Skype or Facetime are all wonderful acts of practical love. After all, taking precautions doesn’t mean that we need to isolate ourselves. 

By trusting that God is still very much in control, we resonate an extraordinary sense of peace: In times of uncertainty, peace is a rarity and therefore bears witness to a much greater hope. As many are confronted with futility, sickness and death, our calm assurance may convict and challenge unbelievers around us. And it definitely makes for interesting conversation starters. 

Lastly, we must make use of our most powerful source of communication with the living God. By praying for the nations, their governments, health-care systems and especially those, who have been directly affected, we are fighting along at the frontiers. Prayer moves and, unfortunately, we often forget exactly that. In the age of the Corona Virus let’s be bold prayer warriors to God’s glory. 

Stay safe and be blessed, dear friends! 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.