05/07/2020
There is so much uncertainty right now in the world. This virus has destroyed our feeling of safety and made us realize how fragile our system and society is. As countries face this disease, we will also see other problems that arise due to this strain and stress on society like societal unrest and possible wars between countries.
This time is challenging and can feel hopeless. We like to feel like we are in control, but times like these reveal that how little control we have. However, we, as born again Christians, need to recognize that we have reason to hope because God has already laid out his plan and that plan is for our good. It might be hard to see the end of that plan through our current wilderness, but we know that Jesus is returning and will establish the Kingdom of Heaven on a renewed Earth as seen in the Book of Revelation.
When Job faces God about the horrible way Job's life has gone, God does NOT directly address Job's issues with the loss of everything including his health. Instead God raises questions over how the universe works and that the universe is vastly more complex than we realize. Faced with the truth of God's plan for the world, Job humbles himself before God.
We must realize in this time that the schemes of man cannot stand up to God's plan. Whether this virus jumped directly from an animal or was made in a lab, God is in control and has to allow things to occur. We might never know the truth, but we know the One who does know the truth. We can also rest in the knowledge that God allows this to occur. The exact reasons He does might be beyond us, but we do know the end of the plan is the return of Jesus.
Therefore, we need to be like Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane who facing his impending betrayal, humiliation, torture, crucifixion, and death and yet prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.”
We all desire peace and good times, but we should above all desire God's will to be done. We cannot control the time that God has put us in, but we can control how we handle this time. We have this moment that is a gift from God; How are we going to use it?
Do we give in to the hopelessness or do we find the hope we need in Jesus and press on? Do we scroll endlessly on seeing story after story that feels us with dread or do we find a way to serve God in this time by reading the Bible, praying honestly, or finding a way to love your neighbor?
This current moment is daunting but is it truly that dark? There are people out there posting online from all sides trying to use fear and uncertainty to gain power. All sides want us to believe that we need to rely on them for safety. In all honesty, seeing all these stories has even gotten me despairing part of the time. By keeping us uncertain and fearful on what report or news story to trust, we are kept from trusting the One who we should obviously rely on.
We, Christians, should challenge that fear and uncertainty by bowing before the infinite God who is there and is not silent and trusting in His hand on history. He is in control and is already working things out in ways you cannot fathom!
In this moment, you can reach out to Jesus for the strength you need. Jesus is already reaching for you. In this moment, you can let go of worrying about the schemes of man and instead trust in the knowledge that God is still in control.
I hope you choose to rely on Jesus and press on.
In Christ,
Brother Patrick
