My Thoughts on the Coronavirus
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ~John 14:27
By now, I think everyone has heard of the Coronavirus. As I listen to conversations and read what people are saying, there seems to be two modes. Some are fearful and afraid to leave their homes while others think there is nothing to it. Young people especially think it’s a lot of hype as they are more disappointed about their group activities getting cancelled than they are about the fact that people are dying because of this outbreak. I feel like the answer lies in between the two.
We cannot say that this is no big deal because, to those who are being affected by it, it is. Sure, people die of the flu all the time and never make the news, but I think the concern with this virus is how long one can be infected and how easily it can be contracted. Therefore, I would be slow to minimalize it. That said, fear is not the answer either. We cannot stop living just because we might get a virus. My advice is to use wisdom and be led by the Spirit. For myself, I plan to avoid public transportation for the time being, but I will still run errands, go on outings with my sisters, etc. If my brother or sister-in-law are scheduled to speak at a conference and we are still healthy, we will be there.
I pray that those who know the Lord will be a beacon of hope during this time. I can’t imagine the fear that must be going on inside of those who do not know where they will spend eternity. Or maybe they do know, and that’s why they are so scared. Your smile may be what will cause them to ask why you are so happy and give you a chance to share about the love of Jesus.
I don’t know what God is doing right now, but I do know that, amidst the uncertainty of the upcoming days, weeks, months, and years, God is still on the throne. He is watching. It’s time for the Church to draw near to Him like never before, to turn from their wicked ways, and to seek His face (2 Chronicles 7:14). Even when things are going well, we should live each day as if it were our last, but what better time to start than during a time when we are faced with the reality that it really might be.
I am praying for those who are affected by this virus in some way. I pray for God’s covering on His people all over the world. I pray that those who don’t know the Savior will find Him and turn to Him before it’s too late. And I pray that God will pour out His peace on those who are struggling to find that serene place. May we all be faithful to keep trusting and serving Him. God bless you all!
Jesus said there would be pestilences in the last days before he comes back.
Pestilences are not necessarily rodents and insects, but they include diseases also.
As Christian I will not curb any of my lifestyle voluntarily. I may have to involuntarily.
I am 67 years old.
I refuse to live in fear. I would rather live in faith, because it produces love.
Churches should not call off church services.
Scotty Searan