COVID 19- What does this mean for Christians?

Recent developments in the progress of COVID 19 have had serious impacts on our global community. Matters got more interesting yesterday, March 10. The corona virus is here in Jamaica. What does it mean for us Christians? Precious Thoughts found out from some of its readers and this was what they had to say:

“I’m not scared, we’ll be fine.” – Chivonne.

“I am not fearful but I don’t know that I am particularly hopeful. I am more indifferent. The disciples asked, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world? Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt 24: 3-13 NLT). 
So we wait with bated breath for our redeemer to redeem us from the calamity which is to come upon this world. We are confident that God can deliver us from all these things and we are victorious in Death and in Life, through Christ.” – Dean. (Read More)

“I don’t feel any way…I understand that it’s here but I can only take precautions to secure myself…I don’t want to be a part of the panicking few…As it concerns the spiritual aspect…I have sufficient time to get my camp in order and fix up my life before the coming of the Lord…Too many signs and all for me to be you know…playing Church…” – Javine.

“These things should remind men of how frail we are…How uncertain life is and the fact that this world was not made to last forever…You have people who are now running away from the job that they had found to be their ultimate source…Hiding from the parties where they found their pleasure…People with power are now realizing that their power is not sufficient to protect them and their families from this disease.” – Claire.

My Initial Reaction

To be honest, I experienced panic the initial occasion I knew about this virus. I assumed it was like Ebola. I remember traveling from a night class and just feeling fear grip my heart. I thought, what if it came? Is this really the end? Will my family die from this sickness? Would I get to accomplish all I need to? The worries spiraled one after the other. 

Soon after I realized that we do not control our circumstances but we govern how we respond to them. I recognized that my hope stood on the ebbs and flows of the events in this world. That it wasn’t in the sovereignty of God. It does not surprise God that we have this outbreak. I can take courage in that. Knowing where you are putting your confidence is essential to knowing how firm your foundation is. I admit, I wonder if it is because it is not deadly to me why I am so serene. Yet, I trust that when that moment comes, whether from sickness, or deliberate action, God will give me grace. 
Whether this is judgement, grace or prophecy. We can know that in death or life, we are Christ’s.

Promises

Here are promises and commands we should remind ourselves of in this season:

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”  ~ Psalm 56:3

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” ~ Psalm 94:19

“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” ~ Isaiah 43:1

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~ Matthew 6:34

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.” ~ Psalm 34:4

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” ~ Romans 8:38-39

Precious, in the meantime, be strong in faith and cautious in your dealings. Get the facts and stay safe. You are in my prayers. Join us Friday at 5 pm for a new post in the Engraved series! We still have a give-away pending. Please stay tuned for details. Until then, remember you are precious.