No one saw this virus coming.
No one knew this would be our introduction into the new roaring twenties.
Over the past few weeks, I have heard many people say, ‘I have never experienced anything like this in my lifetime.’ Or ‘This sort of thing hasn’t happened since the World Wars.’
It is quite an unbelievable reality we are now living in and it is strange trying to navigate and understand what we are facing now. It is history in the works—the history that children will learn about in schools someday. But with the future aside, this is very much our reality right now.
Re-adjusting life
When the world is at a standstill with fear, uncertainty and trying to maintain normalcy, what do we do?
I know for a fact that by the look on everyone’s faces in the supermarket as they walk down aisle after aisle looking for something as simple as soap, bread or toilet paper—things we take for granted, this is not your ordinary ‘look for the silver-lining’ moment.
Society has had to readjust their lives for the sake of their health and the health of others. Many things including employment, social distancing, health regulations for the elderly and the vulnerable, and lifestyles, have had to rapidly adjust. It is a very hard time for us all.
No one knows what to do, but we are all just trying to keep our heads above water while we work out this new normal, for the time being. This will not last forever.
Comparison to history
If you observe history, there is a cycle in which we tend to follow. A quote by G. Michael Hopf expresses this cycle of history and society quite perfectly. The quote goes as follows:
‘Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times.’
Confronting, isn’t it?
A few months ago, I would have believed we were in the ‘good times create weak men and weak men create hard times’ stage. However, now looking at what society has become, the reactions to this global pandemic, and the example of humanity being shown in different forms, I would say we are now in the crossover stage into ‘Hard times create strong men.’
Wake up, Christians!
This is actually a great stage to be in, despite the circumstances. Although I would never wish this virus upon anyone, I definitely think the world needed a shakeup.
It takes hard times to create strong people and I feel we are coming to a point in history such as this. COVID-19 is nothing in comparison to WWII, however, we are still facing a situation that gravely involves the world and has changed the way we have to live.
We needed something to pull us into line and strengthen us. We needed God to intervene in our complacency and shake the Christians awake to get us passionate and motivated again.
This time should be a time to rethink, to refocus and to pray—getting closer to God every day and constantly asking him what he wants from us during this time. The years to come after COVID-19 ends, will be a time of strength due to having a newfound perspective on life and God’s will for his people. There is great hope!
A role for Christians
COVID-19, the crisis on everyone’s mind is unexpected, uncertain, and unpredictable. How do we get through this time of worry and confusion?
The moment we give into the fear that the media so successfully creates, is when we have failed to believe good can come out of this, and ultimately that God has a greater plan for this.
As Christians, this is the perfect opportunity to be a light in a world of darkness—literally. We should be the ones supporting those who are fearful, confused and feeling the waves of uncertainty.
Children in schools are listening to their parents talk about the virus after watching the news. They are terrified. The elderly are scared for their health. The young are ignorant and don’t see the seriousness of the virus because it ‘doesn’t affect them’.
We have to wake up to this global pandemic and see it for what it is and be a hopeful light in this world—proclaiming God’s goodness and love to all those in fear.
Do not fear, but have faith
As we continue into the roaring twenties, however it shall roar, let us be filled with hope for better days, strengthened by prayer and faith in light of these dark times, and focus on God in every moment.
The Bible says in Luke chapter 12 verses 22-26:
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn, yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”
If God tells us not to worry, then we should not worry—but instead have faith and pray to him about our worries and concerns. He loves us dearly and is always listening.
Faith over fear is so important to uphold, and the more we read our Bibles, proclaim God’s goodness, and listen carefully to health regulations—we WILL get through this.
Let’s be bigger than this global pandemic by taking responsibility for our own health and the health of others, praying for others, being kind and loving, and constantly being a reflection of God’s goodness and grace in this time of need.
God looks after his children—therefore why should we be afraid?
Psalm chapter 55 verse 22: “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”
This is such a perfect opportunity for people to come to know God. Let’s declare God’s victory over this virus and welcome our brothers and sisters into this opportune time for an open heaven.