But it is also a unique time in our history, one which presents a rare silver lining for Christians. We can use this as an opportunity to share our faith and hope in Jesus Christ.
There will be debates whether or not God allowed this sinister pandemic to occur in order to bring about His sovereign plan to unfold at this time in our nation's history. There will also be discussions on a litany of subjects related to end-time events and signs of the times as it relates to Christ's return.
One thing I know for sure: God saw this virus coming...
Nothing takes God by surprise. He is not "wringing His hands" and "shaking His head" because the virus is spreading like lightning. God is still on His Throne. He already sees the beginning of this crisis from the end.
So what can we do in the meantime as we are faced with possible government imposed Martial Law? (you can read about it here if you are curious) Martial Law in the U.S. How should we spend endless hours of self-quarantine in our homes? Can we still be productive and make a difference around us?
Some people have careers that allow them to work from home with little difficulty. Others have jobs that require them to be in close proximity to the public at large - whether they are in law enforcement, the medical field, or the food & home goods supply chain. Many simply won't be able to keep their jobs because their places of business have suspended operations or closed down temporarily.
If you are blessed to work part-time from home or still have children (or grandchildren) under your roof, then you might have some discretionary time like I do to be an "encourager from afar." This blog post is a small contribution I can make to the public at large. My little blog reaches across the globe with the click of a mouse. I know that the internet can play a vital role for those who are isolated - irregardless of this virus.
People are becoming more aware of their mortality and vulnerabilities. They are increasingly uneasy and are more afraid of the unknown. We all have some level of anxiety of what is yet to come. However, the Christian is in the unique position to spread God's truth and give a testimony for the "hope we have within us" (I Peter 3:15).
When we are in the midst of a crisis and face afflictions and suffering, first use it as a time of self-reflection. Then use what you have learned as a tool for ministering to others. Tell them why you are in love with Jesus. Share your testimony. Explain to them why they need a Savior and a spiritual rebirth in order to be with God in heaven.
In times of uncertainty you can still be an effective ambassador for Jesus Christ. Don't let fear rob you of your mission.
First, clothe yourself with humility Second, divest yourself of anxiety and worry Third, arm yourself with sobriety Fourth, remind yourself of eternity
Remember, FEAR is an acronym for: False Evidence Appearing Real. Many times what we fear actually never comes to pass. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt said over the radio to millions of Americans in 1933, "You have nothing to fear but fear itself."
Fear is a weapon Satan uses to immobilize the masses in a way that is debilitating and destructive. In Luke 12:32 Jesus said, "Do not fear..." So how can we rise above that feeling and function in a healthy environment with those around us?
Here are three things from God's Word that you and I can take comfort in:
1. God can be trusted in times of trouble
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
Number 23:19 says, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" God is indeed trustworthy.
Corrie ten Boom said, "God has no problems, only plans."
2. God will take care of us in times of trouble
Psalm 91:9-11 says, "Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." I Peter 5:7 encourages us to, "...cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
Martin Luther said the following, "Pray and let God worry."
3. God will always be with us in times of trouble
Joshua 1:9 declares, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Remember the three Hebrew youths Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego who were cast into the fiery furnace? Even Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God's presence in Daniel 3:25, "Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."
Jesus Himself said, "...and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
Take heart... God never sleeps nor slumbers (Psalms 121:3-4) He is still sovereign over all - now and forever.
Written by: Deborah McCarragher author of Mission Possible
