I am no expert on pandemics. I can barely remember all the protocols that go with hurricane prep. But one thing I’ve come to know throughout my years of walking with the Lord is that He is faithful. It’s a simple truth that can be lost on us if we’re not careful. If there is one thing this COVID-19 coronavirus is teaching us, it’s that life as we know it can change in an instant, and no matter how much we want to feel as though we have control over our lives, the reality is…we don’t.
Sovereign God
So, what are we to do with this reality? Well, we can give this all up to chance, or we can recognize what the Bible declares as Truth: that God is sovereign. In the words of the late Pastor R.C. Sproul, “there isn’t one single molecule in this universe running around loose, totally free of God’s sovereignty.” That is good news. Our lives aren’t determined by chance or chaos, but we are in the hands of a sovereign God. I won’t try to explain why this virus has hit our world. I would simply remind us that we are sojourners and this world is polluted by sin. The next one is not.
Times like these can elicit many different responses and feelings from us – feelings that can range from fear, to worry, to doubt, to sadness. I certainly don’t want to rob anyone of their feelings, but at the same time, we don’t want them to become our steering wheel. Instead, let’s allow them to be an onramp for intimacy with God. The same Savior who came and lived a sinless life, died a brutal death, and paid the ultimate price for your sins and for mine, is the same Savior who intercedes for us now, praying that we will endure (Hebrews 7:25).
These days have certainly come at us fast with news and events unfolding rapidly and fluidly, knocking us off balance. But remember, that is NOT God’s reality. Our God knows all things and His understanding is infinite (Psalm 147:5). His plans cannot be thwarted (Isaiah 46:9-10). So much is changing and will change in the future, but what is of greatest worth, greatest gain, and greatest hope has not. Jesus, our rock and redeemer, is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Peace from Jesus
Today, I want us to be encouraged by the very words of Jesus; “I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Let’s take those words to heart today. The world may be low on peace, but for the believer in Christ, your well of peace is bottomless. Jesus knew we would face challenges – yes, even a coronavirus pandemic – and that is why even before going to the cross He prayed for us (John 17). Even now, ascended into Heaven, He hasn’t stopped interceding for us, and if that isn’t enough, He has also left us His Spirit.
So, let’s do all we can to heed the recommendations being made by the CDC and our national and state governments. Let’s be wise in our “social distancing”. Most importantly, let’s hold fast to our confession of hope (Hebrews 10:23) and to the One who holds fast to us. God bless you.
- Orlando Cabrera