There, I said it! How many others of you where thinking it? Why hasn’t God intervened? What could He possibly be waiting for? Corona/COVID-19 has impacted pretty much everyone on planet earth these days. I’ll admit, just several weeks ago I didn’t even know the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic. The numbers of those being infected and those dying from this terrible virus are staggering and to date have not yet peaked in our country. My heart hurts for those who are affected physically, emotionally, financially, and those who have suffered the loss of a loved one.
Perhaps the hardest lesson we are learning is how to deal with life when we loose control of it. Think of it, life as we knew it just a couple months ago was totally unaware of how we are living today. Pandemic, self-quarantine, community spread, CDC, essential businesses, and social distancing are now common vocabulary. And oh yeah, where is all the toilet paper? All of a sudden, life has lost its predictability. The ability to control and have freedom changed almost overnight. And yet the Bible says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Pr 27:1. Honestly, not one of us has a guarantee on life tomorrow or that we will even be breathing 5 minutes from now. So, the question is really what or to be more specific, who are we truly trusting in when things are out of our own control? And if we are wise enough to realize that we need to put our complete trust into Gods hands, will that stick once we are able to enjoy baseball season again?
Is God to blame? I wonder how many of us have been tempted to point our finger to God when things like this happen in our world. We need to remember however that ultimately God has given mankind the freedom of choice. From the beginning of time as we know it, God created a perfect place for mankind and as well, allowed Adam and Eve the freedom of choice. They had a choice when approached by the prideful fallen one—satan, and their choice resulted in an imperfect land in which we now live in. Consequently, life is not always fair. We must also remember that just as He did with Adam and Eve, God has put laws (both spiritual and physical) into effect. Take gravity for instance, try to defy it and see what effect that will have upon your body. These laws are in motion even though we may not always see them. They have a cause and effect. God has given us a road map in order to navigate our lives (the Bible), and He speaks to us in many different ways—yet time and time again, people blame God whenever bad things happen. Many so called atheists say they don’t believe in God because a good God would not allow a tragedy to happened to good people.
The question should not be why God is to blame—the question is and always has been why do I not trust and listen to God in the first place? Throughout the entire Bible we read of Gods love and redemption plan for all people, and yet people still choose to try to control their own lives without paying any attention to God…until something bad happens. And yet even in my own lifetime, I have seen Gods love reach out over and over again making good come out of a difficult situation. In fact, it’s often through life’s difficult seasons where we see people reach out to God. And whenever we reach out to God, He graciously accepts us.
Many are asking where the coronavirus came from. From a bat or man-made? Whatever theory you believe, I propose to you that God is completely aware of the where and the how. This virus may have come as a surprise to us, but not to God. Other questions may be, did God cause this virus to happen? Is God pouring out judgment upon the land? Some are even questioning if we have entered into the Tribulation Period as described in the book of Revelation. Although I do not doubt that God has a prophetic clock, we are currently not experiencing the Tribulation wrath upon the earth. The coronavirus is serious, no doubt, but if anything, it is beginning of sorrows as the Gospel of Mathew talks about (see Matt 24:6-8). Additionally, many things are and have been results on this earth that are ultimately due to man’s disobedience and pride. One thing is for certain, it is shaking the whole earth at this very moment. The results of which will cause some to look to God while others will actually curse Him.
Lest we forget:
Between the years of 1941-1945 an evil man named Adolf Hitler and many more Nazi leaders murdered over 6 million innocent people. Why? Out selfish pride which led to hatred of the entire Jewish race. The reality of which we continue to see Antisemitism still alive today. I realize the Holocaust is a completely different situation, but again millions of precious lives were lost. The question is the same–do we blame God for allowing this? Of course not, these and many more tragedies and atrocities are the results of a fallen world and choices made by people.
From April 2009 to April 2010 the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there were more than 60.8 million cases of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) in the U.S. alone. Resulting in 12,469 deaths. Yet, only 10 years later we hardly remember it. Was God to blame?
Just last year (2019), the American Cancer Society estimated over 1.7 million new cancer cases in the U.S., with 606,880 cancer related deaths. Studies today reveal all kinds of known cancer-causing substances. To include tobacco products that we have deemed as “essential” goods in the fighting effort of COVID-19. How ironic is that? Yet, in the case of cancer and those who suffer from it, how can we ever blame God?
So, what is God waiting for and will He intervein with the coronavirus? I have faith that God is and will continue to intervein, but it is imperative that we understand that God is calling us to genuinely seek Him. Once again, we are all created with the ability to choose. Thank God we are not all robots. We were all created in Gods image, created to love Him and to share His love with others. When we don’t seek Him, when we don’t turn to Him, what choice is He seeing us make?
Throughout the Bible we see of Gods amazing redeeming love toward people. Time and time again providing, healing, drawing people to His heart.
Romans 8:28 says, And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. (AMP)
God takes pleasure in making good and wonderful things out of bad situations. Why? Because He is a good Father who loves His children. As with any good father, he loves it when His kids turn toward Him and come running and jump into his lap. This is what he longs for. This is an amazing truth and I have personally seen this happen time and time again. But there is a qualifier in this verse: “for those who love God and called according to His plan and purpose.“
There are so many positive things already happening through this pandemic. Many families and relationships are bonding. Being forced to slow down allows us to re-focus and re-prioritize. We are having more empathy for others. Reaching-out and connecting through phone calls and social media. Completing projects and enjoying hobbies. Reading books and playing with our children. Being involved with their schoolwork. The church is thriving through social media sources (although I can’t wait to go to the church to worship again). Many people are seeking God and spending more time growing our relationship with Him. Be encouraged, He has this promise for us:
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chr 7:14
Many of us have heard or read this verse many times, but I want to remind us all that this too comes with a choice…it is conditional. We need to understand the If, when, and then. God is calling us as a people to repent and turn back to Him. If and when we do, then we will see the blessings of revival sweep across our land. That is something to get excited about!
This virus is not bigger than God and I am confident that He is ready, willing and able to deliver us.
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering but take courage — I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).
As we celebrate Easter this weekend friends, have faith, courage, and peace. Jesus rose from the grave. All victory, power, and love are available to us. God is still good, and He will see us through.
Blessed by the Best,
Mark
See You in the River 