Did the Pandemic Catch God Off Guard?

Life is full of uncertainty. Around every corner are things over which we have little or no control. We lose jobs and loved ones. We have to contend with unpredictable weather including famine, wildfires, and earthquakes. Every day brings new political power struggles and domestic and international terrorism. Economies rise and fall, armies and hordes invade our borders, and many millions face abject poverty. Anyone could increase the list ad infinitum. With every difficult thing that comes along, the alarmists want us to believe that each one of these will be the thing that does us in. They take to their megaphones to remind us that our entire planet is a handful of years away from total collapse. This has never been more true than it is right now.

For months COVID-19 has dominated the conversation of nearly everyone in the civilized world. It has altered nearly every aspect of our lives and has changed our “normal” in ways we never would have envisioned just four months ago. It’s easy to look around at the tumult of our world and lose heart. To watch the (bad) news you’d think we’re all seconds away from global collapse and unrestrained, post-apocalyptic anarchy. But as Christ followers, we have a solid rock, a sure foundation, and an immovable base that steadies us when all around us is chaos and confusion.

I read a devotional recently that reminded me, “But in the midst of all this...Jesus Christ…” He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is hope that doesn’t disappoint, the Light that doesn’t fade, and a Mountain Fortress that cannot be shaken. He still speaks to storms and says, “Peace, be still.” Whether the storm rages all around us or inside us, His peace remains the same, unchanging answer. He’s not caught off guard by my frequent duplicity, the ebbs and flows of His creation, or the machinations of powerful people. That’s right, not even Coronavirus surprises our strong and loving God. He always offers a new start and He continually holds out an invitation to be part of His Kingdom on earth. Through all the plots and ploys of men, His Kingdom forcefully advances. He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Mighty One, the Everlasting Father, and of the increase of His government there will be no end. We are safe in his arms and it’s just our job to exert all our being to stay intimately connected to Him. If you need a poignant and unchanging reminder of this, read from the book of Isaiah, chapters 40-49. In these chapters, it’s like God is strutting His stuff, reminding us that there is only one all powerful, most holy God. Here’s a sample:

"I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me. ‘Who is like Me? Let him proclaim and declare it; Yes, let him recount it to Me in order, from the time that I established the ancient nation. And let them declare to them the things that are coming and the events that are going to take place. Do not tremble and do not be afraid; have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, or is there any other Rock? I know of none.’"(Isaiah 44:6-8, NASB)

So, read the news, stay informed and be discerning, and stay healthy. Most of all, don’t forget to speak up for God whenever you can to declare faith and life into a world desperate for something real and powerful. Never, ever forget that through everything, God has us in the palm of His hand and nothing can snatch us away. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us that nothing can separate us from His love. He sees the end from the beginning and He is in full control of all that is going on. Be encouraged brothers and sisters! The best is yet to come.

Copyright © June 2020 Mánus Baird, used with permission.