How Should a Christian React to the Corona Virus?
There’s not doubting that this world is unstable but as Christians, shouldn’t we have a steady foundation that we can fall back on? Is there supposed to be a difference between the way we see things and the way others see them who have no hope?
The things people are going through right now are very serious and can range from running out of toilet paper to an entire family losing their jobs. The situation we find ourselves in is very real and impacts us in many different ways. While chaos is circling around us and panic and stress seem to be the norm day to day, I want to remind you of a couple of things that I believe will bring hope, peace and purpose back into your soul.
You are not of this world
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” -John 17:16 NKJV
You are a citizen of Heaven, an ambassador on this earth to live out a purpose and a plan. This is only our temporary home and when calamity and disease strikes, we can live out of our true citizenship, knowing that our God has already provided health, healing, protection and provision for us.
“Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.” -Psalm 91:3 NKJV
This world is fallen, but like we said, we’re not of this world! And God has given us His promises to protect us from the snare of the fowler. The Bible depicts the devil as a fowler. A fowler is a professional bird catcher. He lays traps and carefully conceals them so that he can ambush unsuspecting birds.
While the enemy is crafty and sneaky, our God will protect us from his snare or traps. Not “maybe” or “if you read your bible enough” or “give enough money”… but SURELY he will deliver you!
In the meantime, we will see the world getting darker and darker. Our trust cannot be in this world, our government or our talents and abilities. Our trust must be in our Lord Jesus. We are in this world, but we are not of this world.
There is a very real and active fowler that is setting up snares. In the natural, this can be extremely disheartening. But don’t forget that we have a Savior who is even more real, and He has promised to deliver us from the snare of the fowler and from perilous pestilences (dangerous diseases and viruses).
You were born for such a time as this
“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” -Esther 4:14 NKJV
If you could pick any time in history to live, what would you pick? I used to dream of living in the medieval times, the renaissance, the 50s, or even the time of Jesus. We tend to romanticize history but the truth is you could’ve been born during any of those times. Yet, here you are. For such a time as this.
We are living in a time and place that has never been imagined before, with contacts and access unlike anything throughout all human history. God knew what He was doing when He placed you here. The questions is, for what purpose was it?
When Queen Esther found out about the plot to kill all of the existing Jews, I’m sure she thought there was little she could do against such tyranny. But God had other plans and His ideas of what’s possible with our lives tend to be a bit more grand than ours.
Esther didn’t know what would happen. She never read the end of her story because she was writing it with every breath, word and action she took. And like Esther, we too are faced with difficulty and a world that is confused, scared and uncertain of the future. We have a chance to offer hope, security and a sturdy foundation.
“Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed.” -Bob Riley
This hard season doesn’t turn you into a victorious person or Christian. It’s been sent to destroy you. We should never embrace the hard times or difficulties, but use them as an opportunity to release what’s lying in wait on the inside of us.
What is it that you have that could bring peace, hope or security to another? It’s time to embrace your place in history and move forward in His plans for you.
I know when you’re done reading this article, life isn’t going to necessarily look different. But my hope is that your perspective on this current season will change.
No matter what you’re going through, cling to these two truths and allow the Holy Spirit to speak new life, understanding and purpose into your heart.
Write this chapter well,
Jess