I keep thinking about this COVID-19 virus. Not because I am afraid, but because I want to bring hope. There is so much fear surrounding it. Fear of death. Fear of change. Not being prepared. Not knowing what is true and what is false.
I have written so much, but yet don’t know how exactly to articulate everything that has been running through my mind. I have prayed for clear direction as I write this. I have prayed that those that read this would know my heart and most importantly, the heart of God. I am praying that they would have more peace after reading this than when they started. With that, I’ll attempt to move on and to complete a topic.
I can’t help but believe that God is allowing all of this to happen for A LOT of reasons. He uses ALL things and in ALL circumstances to ultimately serve his purpose for his creation. What could be some of the reasons? I have two big reasons: 1. To turn peoples hearts to Jesus. 2. To shatter a lot of the self-centered, entitled, complacent, pre-occupied mindsets in our country.
People can give their convincing conspiracy theories on why this is all happening, but all I am going to get into is why I believe God is ALLOWING it to happen because ultimately, in my opinion, that’s all that matters anyway.
Jesus says in John 8:32, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” Well, honestly, when I read articles, scroll through social media, watch news clips, I sometimes feel like I have no flipping clue whats true and whats not. There always seems to be convincing arguments on both sides of every controversy or argument.
The truth that the Bible is talking about is truth that comes from God. Now people can debate about his existence and blah blah blah, but at some point, when it comes down to it, you have to have faith in something. What will you choose for it to be in? Your significant other? Your church? Science? Yourself? Your government? Your job? Your pension? A theory made up by man?
All of those things and other things that you put your faith in, waver. They are fleeting, but God is not. He is constant.
HE IS. Period. Fill in the blank for everything you need and HE IS.
But again, you have to start somewhere. Even if you are filled with doubt about God. Even if the whole, “rising from the dead” thing or "contradictions" you found in the Bible messes with you. Even if you have been raised to believe otherwise.
You were created with the innate desire to know him, but one of His creations didn’t like that. And so Lucifer became the serpent who planted the first doubting thought about God into our ancestors mind. Thoughts that would plague humanity and lead them to murder, lie, steal, cheat, idolize, covet and ultimately deny Christ. Selfishness, pridefulness, arrogance, narcissism, self-righteousness and bitterness would reign. It turned a perfect world into Hell on earth.
So God sent Jesus to redeem humanity by coming to earth, dying for our sins and coming back to life. He went back with God, but promised to return to make everything wrong, right. When he does return, he wants people to WANT to be with him and to be a part of His perfect world. He doesn’t want robots. Would you want to be in a relationship that you are being forced into?
There’s an adversary that doesn’t want you to know that amazing truth, though. His mission is to steal and deceive the hearts of man. He plants seeds of doubt and lies. They can be pretty convincing, too. But God is bigger. Satan has no chance against Jesus. He conquered death for crying out loud.
I challenge you to talk to God about anything and see what He does. Question his goodness. Yell at him if you are angry at him. Question his existence. Question his workings in the world. Ask him why the coronavirus is putting our world in a tizzy. I promise you, he can handle all of it and that he wants to answer every question, ease every angry or fearful thought you have.
How does this all tie into the coronavirus? To me, it’s everything. When you know him, his word, how he works, you don’t have to fear. Did he give you a brain to use common sense with and to prepare as much as possible for crises such as this? Yes. Does he promise a perfect life? No. But he DOES promise to be with you wherever you go, no matter what happens. Even in your death, whether it be coronavirus, cancer, tragedy, you name it.
I don’t know what’s going to happen with all of this, and whatever else our world or myself will face in my lifetime, but I do know that I have a protector, defender, creator, redeemer and father who will never leave my side. And you can, too. It makes all the difference in the world.
John 14:27-Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
2 Timothy 1:7-For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Psalm 16:8- I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Joshua 1:9-Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
If you read this and want to know more about what faith in Jesus looks like, I encourage you to go to https://thechapel.com/about/beliefs/ and then tell someone that knows Him so they can help you learn and grow in your new found faith.
All my love,
Courtney Campbell
Photo Credit: Alison Fancher