Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ~Hebrews 13:8
I need to say this upfront: be wise. We’d be foolish to ignore the news. Hear me on that: listen to what the medical community is recommending. But remember that God did not give us a spirit of fear.
How much has changed in a week?
God is still God. He is still good and He is still the One who created the world. He is still the One who died on a cross to save you. He still hears your prayers. He still catches every tear. He still rejoices when we rejoice. He still gives life and knows that we are but dust.
We fear that which we cannot see.
We cannot see coronavirus. If we could, we’d have a witch hunt. We’d expel the “unclean” as if they were leapers. I’m thankful we can’t see who is a carrier. We are so quick to jump to extreme judgment in our society – I can’t imagine the prejustice those people would face. For all I know that could be me. Or you. Yes this virus kills. But so does the Enemy.
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” ~Matthew 10:28
It would be downright foolish to not heed the precautions the government is putting out right now. But do so knowing and trusting that God is guiding the medical experts to figure out a cure, or at least a vaccine. God is still in charge. And He hates anything that destroys humanity.
Christ defeated death. We don’t need to join the hysteria, fearing the unknown. Buy your toilet paper, but don’t join the anxiety. So much easier said than done. I fully get that, and maybe that’s why I felt compelled to write this. We know God is still God. “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33).”
The world has seen worse and pulled through: the Black Plague, the Spanish Flu of 1918, and the ones we’ve put ourselves through in the form of World Wars. So many opinions are floating around social media right now: everything from “it’s the apocalypse” to jokes about hoarding toilet paper. Paper products? Seriously? I made sure we also have enough toothpaste to get through a month. The grocery stores have promised that production/stocking efforts are remaining the same as they always have. Wait this out! In two weeks the stores will look like they always have. Shopping may look different, but the things we need will still be there.
Be cautious and do your part to slow the spread. But trust that the One who holds the universe together is still good and has not abandoned His plan for this world.