Coronavirus is an infectious disease that began in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Since then it has spread like wild fire across America and around the world. No country is immune from the disease. So many have suffered or died as a result. And the fatalities keep rising worldwide. Hospitals and healthcare facilities and staff have been overwhelmed to treat those that are affected. No one has ever seen anything of this magnitude in living memory.
Although the elderly and people with pre-existing health issues are most vulnerable, this virus is no respecter of persons. No one, but no one is exempt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines in an effort to reduce the spread of the disease.
The problem is no one has any idea where, how, or when this pandemic will end. There is some speculation on the cause or reason why the whole world continues to suffer. For example, some are asking, could it be the “end of the world?” Or, is God trying to teach mankind a lesson? Be that as it may, Christians should consider this as a wonderful opportunity to revive our need for Almighty God’s presence now. Let us take time to pray and read His awesome and powerful Word, perhaps as never before. “Thus saith the LORD.”
Even with the fear, concern, and anxiety that exist today, it must be clearly understood that absolutely nothing, including coronavirus, takes Almighty God by surprise. God is self-existent and He is neither obligated, nor subject to anyone or anything at anytime. On the other hand, God is, and remains merciful and gracious in all His ways. The Bible says, “But you, O LORD, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15). This is God’s nature. And it means that He continues to show mercy over and over, thereby giving man a chance to repent and be reconciled to Him.
We cannot allow fear to take hold of us, especially because of hardships we are experiencing and the fact that people are sick and people are dying. Rather, overcome fear with faith. The Scripture says, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God” (John 14:1). God will never abandon His children. He will be with us in and through the storms of life. He says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). God also promised, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2).
There is much we can learn and apply from the prayer of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 19:3-19. At the outset of his prayer, Jehoshaphat acknowledges that God’s abode is in heaven and He is the ruler of the nations of the world. He prays: “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you” (2 Chronicles 20:6). This shows Jehoshaphat’s confidence in God’s power and might to act on his prayer requests. Likewise should we have confidence in God’s power and might to help us generally and specifically in this coronavirus pandemic.
As Jehoshaphat continues to pray, he says something that all Christians ought to do, especially when we don’t know what to do or where to turn. “For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
(verse 12). Note: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you,” Herein lies the key to our faith and trust in the Almighty. Admittedly, like Jehoshaphat, we don’t know what to do. But keeping our eyes on God will bolster our faith and trust in Him. The prospects will then be brighter. Keep in mind that God can also transcend our requests according to His will. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”
(Ephesians 3:20).
During these uncertain and stressful times, people will be worrying a lot, thereby losing hope and courage. Now is not the time for that. Focusing on the negatives is not helpful. In doing so, we are trusting in our own hearts. God explains the problem with that. “Whoever trust in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered” (Proverbs 28:26). Having faith in God will allow Him to work most effectively in our lives, because He is the source of help and strength.
What Christians need to do is to seek God’s face in fervent prayer for those on the frontlines of caring for the sick in hospitals and health facilities and our overwhelmed healthcare system. Also, remember those who at times risk their own health to help others during this crisis. The need is great, but not greater than Almighty God who declares, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3). We do the calling and God does the answering.
Now is not the time to believe that God is speaking only to non-christians during the onslaught of this pandemic. There could be valuable lessons for everyone. Christians should respond with kindness, compassion and love for all others. We are all in this together. Church activities have had to be suspended because of “social-separation” and “shelter-at-home,” in response to government guidelines so as to minimize the spread of the disease. Let us therefore be obedient to the governing authorities, which is in line with Biblical teaching, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed” (Romans 13:1,2).
Spread the good news near and far
That Jesus Christ is Lord
To the glory of God the Father.