March 28th
I have been asked several times over the last few weeks if COVID-19 is one of the plagues mentioned in the book of Revelation. I can assure you it is not. This most certainly may be a precursor, a warning shot, or a gentle tap on the shoulder from God, but it is not one of the scroll, bowl, or trumpet judgments – those will be much, much worse! However, as I have mentioned before, the goal is the same in every trial.
This, of course, goes along with another question many have asked me lately: “Why is God allowing this?”
I believe there are at least 2 significant reasons:
- To bring glory to Himself. This is why God does everything. In bringing times of crisis upon humanity it forces us to consider if we will turn to Him in trust, or reject Him for not behaving the way we want Him to. Of course, Christians know the correct response is to trust and wait upon Him. Our job is to demonstrate that trust to others in order to call them to that same trust.
- Because He is able to work all things together for good. I know the rest of this verse (Romans 8:28) says He does so for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, but that doesn’t mean He only works things out for those people. God is not limited to doing good to only those who love Him. His goodness extends to all of Creation.
I saw a statement earlier this week that struck me right through the heart. The meme ( if you don’t know what a meme is, ask anyone under 30 years old) said, “ If the Corona Virus shuts down Planned Parenthood for 2 weeks, it will have saved more lives than it has taken.” I have no idea if the numbers have actually been confirmed, but at the very least it is something to think about. Every day Planned Parenthood is unable to open its doors is another day they are unable to slaughter innocent babies. Every pedophile confined to his or her home is one less on the streets or in the schools. Addicts who are unable to feed their addictions may find opportunities to break those bonds ( especially if they turn to the Holy Spirit!) Many families that have grown apart have been thrust together. While not a guarantee, there are certainly more opportunities for connection while being forced to stay in the same house than there are with families running hither and yon. Neighbors who have never taken the time to get to know one another are now chatting from a socially-acceptable distance, making neighborhoods stronger and providing opportunities for evangelism. ( Of course, Christians aren’t the only ones evangelizing—but we’re the only ones with the Truth, so make sure you’re talking to your neighbors as much as the Non-believers are!)
Naturally I cannot hope to explore every reason God is doing what He is doing. Not only am I incapable of understanding His full motivation, but time would elude me even if I had a century to write. His plans are simply bigger than we can imagine.
But His plans are also good.
Because He is good, all the time.
And all the time, God is good.
Respond with trust – then model that trust that others may see the Holy Spirit at work in His people. We will get through this, not because Congress passes a stimulus bill, but because God has never passed up a chance to be awesome.
In His Service,
James Perry