The world is focused on the pandemic and there is no doubt it is a powerful virus, but some people have elevated it to a place in their lives and thinking where it should not be. As believers in God and as those who have put our hope and trust in Jesus, we can make it through this time stronger. We are never promised an easy life and there is no guarantee we or our loved ones will not be exposed to the virus, but our focus should be on things this pandemic cannot do.
The Pandemic cannot stop your purpose! Romans 11:29 says, “The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable.” God will never remove His calling from your life. He will finish what He has started. Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” David fulfilled the purpose of God in his generation despite his setbacks, failures, and attacks. (Acts 13:36) Romans 8:28 says, “So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are His lovers who have been called to fulfill His designed purpose.”
The Pandemic does not negate God’s presence. Hebrews 13:5 tells us, “I will never leave you alone, never! And I will not loosen my grip on your life!” One of the last things Jesus said before He left this earth was, “Never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.” (Matthew 28:20) He had told the disciples that He was going to leave them, but He was going to leave the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to live in us. He would not leave us as orphans. (John 14:16-18) We are never alone. He is Emmanuel – God with us!
The Pandemic cannot steal your peace. Jesus told the disciples, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” We can have peace because despite what may come against us, Jesus has already overcome the world. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
We don’t know how long Covid-19 will be here or how long the reports will be in the news, but we can stand firm on God’s love. Perfect loves casts out fear. (I John 4:18) God’s love is our firm foundation that we can stand on. When the storms of life come, we can anchor our hope in Him – the unshakeable Rock. Focus on Jesus and His promises. Don’t allow the concerns and fears about the coronavirus to overwhelm you. It doesn’t have the power to stop your purpose, negate God’s presence, or steal your peace.
Bonnie Hammer
