Follower of One Responds to the Corona Virus

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Matthew 10:31 So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.

We live in a very uncertain moment in time. The stock market is in disarray and the Coronavirus pandemic seems to be the center of the news. It is easy to be afraid.

The most common command in all of scripture is “Fear not!” God’s power and glory aren’t very visible to the naked eye. We must look for God to see him. If we fail to believe that he exists, we will never see him. See Hebrews 11:6. We can’t even come to God without first believing that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

When we can begin with the idea that God is good and that he is in control, we can settle down a bit. And I believe these troubles are part of what we’re promised in John 16:33 above. Our world has much trouble. The trouble is a consequence of our own sin. Every person (Romans 3:23) had chosen to pursue their own glory and their own desires. We have all come up short. Therefore the world is filled with trouble.

But God is aware of even the sparrows. (See Matthew 10) He takes care of them. And he is aware of us. Romans 8:31 says that if God is for us, who can be against us. It goes on to say that he is powerful and he will not allow his children to be separated from his love.

So how might we act. I thought of a few things today that I’m praying for believers all over the world to do.

Remember God is in control. Everything that happens is designed to declare God’s glory. Let’s remain hopeful.

Submit to authorities. I can be a rebel. But this isn’t the time. To the degree possible, let’s agree to cooperate with our leaders for the good of those who don’t know God. Trust God and pray for those in authority over us and let’s be good citizens.

Be gracious. Reflect on the commands of Jesus in Luke 6:20-45. This is a shorter version of the Beatitudes. Jesus tells us to avoid judging, be merciful, and give. Verse 45 says “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good.” Let’s bring forth what is good.

The next verse it telling also, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)

Let’s be people who live according to Jesus commands, especially those where we’re told to love and give. If you see me coming up short of that goal, remind me. But let’s be givers, and doers of the word (James 1:22).

My prayer is that our Lord will watch over those who are scared and who are infected by this disease. Lord, please save and protect so that everyone would know You and the power of your resurrection. You are able to do exceedingly abundantly more than all we can ask or imagine. Please be visible in our situation and use us for Your good goals today.