Facing the the Plague

I would have written sooner, but I’m in the midst of moving… 

Consider a few things about COVID-19 from a Kingdom of God perspective:
 
Psalm 91 tells us twice, in verses 3 and 6–7, that God will save us from “the deadly pestilence” and also “the plague.” One could take this presumptuously and falsely assume God will keep one safe. But those who experience the reality of the Bible’s promises are ones who deeply and diligently submit themselves to God and boldly expect in faith and by the leading of the Holy Spirit that God will do what he says he will do. Are you such a person?
 
In Philippians Paul writes not just from home quarantine but from shackles in a dungeon and says we should rejoice regardless of circumstances, that our joy must depend on our life in covenant relation with God. We can get so used to a comfortable life that when it’s not, we have the self-oriented shallowness to question God. Rejoicing by faith is far more genuine than easy, circumstantial happiness when good things happen. Remember that God’s purpose is not to make you happy but to draw you close to him and to work in your life. Are you a person who, trusting God, will choose to rejoice by faith, regardless of circumstances?
 
In Isaiah 55:8–9 tells us that “as high as the heavens are above the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” While we are wise to take seriously the situation here and now, we need to see beyond ourselves to what God is doing in the big picture of his intent for the world. The world has gone through bubonic plagues that in fourteenth-century Europe killed up to half the population. The Spanish flu of 1918 killed up to fifty million people worldwide. God has let these and other catastrophes happen. We would wisely consider what God is intending and doing in the world today. Would you do so?
 
Romans 8:28 tells us that “in all things God works for the good of those of those who love him and are called according to his purpose”—which includes all true believers. Yes, except for businesses like pizza delivery companies and internet services, everyone is hurting—some from the virus, some from caring for them, some from life in quarantine, and some from the horrific economic fallout that will get worse. But what good things are happening or may God be doing? And how would you be part of that and perhaps be a blessing to others?
 
Revelation 6 tallies afflictions to expect in the end times: military, political, economic, and social ravages; violence, famine, and plague. If this coronavirus is a one-off thing, then we’ll move on. But if it mutates and returns in worse ways, we’ll be in for a ride—maybe toward the end, who knows? Regardless, we must always remember that no matter what, we’re in God’s hands. Will you choose fear and stress out, or will you choose peace and buckle up?
 
I welcome your thoughts in return—especially if you’re acting on them.