Since the coronavirus pandemic took America by storm in late February and early March, the world as we know it (or knew it) has changed. Everyone has an opinion on what it means, what it doesn’t, how it will affect the future, and whether face masks are necessary. Most of those opinions aren’t based on fact.
I’ve done a lot of thinking on this and I’ve realized that, even though the foreseeable future might be different than what I’m used to, there are few reasons to fear COVID-19. These are the reasons I’m not afraid:
God is in control — Isaiah 45:7 (Berean Study Bible) says, “I form light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things.” The same God who created the heavens and the earth brings crises and pandemics. If the world is shattered, changed, altered, or hurled into a tailwind of chaos because of sickness and disease, it is God who made it happen. I can’t change it, but God can. And He will, when it’s time.
I’ve been chosen — Ephesians 1:11 (BSB) tells us that we’ve been chosen in Christ to be God’s own people, predestined according to His plan. Oh, and He works out everything by the counsel of His will. Why should I fear?
We are more than conquerors — Romans 8:37 (BSB) says we are more than conquerors through Christ, even in death. Absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God, not even death or angels and principalities (verse 38). In fact, “nor anything else in all creation,” and that includes pandemics.
All things work for our good — Just a few verses earlier, in Romans 8:28 (BSB), the Apostle Paul penned, “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Some people are asking if God is judging America, or whether He is using the pandemic to judge His church. Frankly, I hope He is. It’s time the church be pruned. We’re lazy, complacent, comfortable, and take God’s provision for granted. If He is judging the church, hard times are coming, but I see that as a good thing. Why? Because all things work for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
I’m in fairly decent health — While anyone who catches COVID-19 may feel sick and show signs of symptoms, the disease isn’t fatal to everyone. It’s fatal to the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. I don’t think my immune system has any issues, but if it does and the Lord calls me home soon, I know where I’m going—right to the bosom of my creator. That’s no reason to fear.
Despite so many reasons to not fear COVID-19, there is one very good reason why I should at least respect it. Here it is:
If I catch it, whether I’m symptomatic or not, I could potentially affect someone with a compromised immune system. I could be responsible for someone’s early demise—and not even know it.
For this reason alone, each of us should ask ourselves one very important question: What if I am exposed to COVID-19? How should I respond in light of Jesus’ command to love my neighbor as myself?
Back to Romans again. In Romans 13:10, the Apostle Paul wrote:
Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Yesterday, my wife and I left our home of 16 years in Pennsylvania and we’ll be traveling south to Chattanooga then west to Texas. We could potentially come into contact with people who have been affected by COVID-19. And with cases spiking in Texas, I’m aware of the dangers of being affected and potentially taking the sickness to my father, who is immune-compromised. For this reason, I plan to minimize my contact with strangers, practice social distancing, and wear a face mask where it is practical to do so.
Some food for thought.
Allen Taylor is the founder and publisher of Crux Publications. He has been walking (and wavering) with the Lord for 28 years. He has served local churches as a Sunday school teacher, a small group leader, a worship leader, a prayer group leader, and a minister of the Word. His journey isn’t over yet, and he still needs discipling.
“I am Not the King” is a personal testimony of how Jesus Christ has worked in my life. It is available at Amazon and Smashwords.