“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:1-4 (NIV)
It has now been over two weeks since most of the United States has been in quarantine. The increasing severity and rising effects of the coronavirus pandemic have caused the world to come to a screeching halt, putting society on pause. Schools, restaurants, stores, and churches have closed. This is a scary time for many people. Not only for those on the frontlines, like healthcare providers and grocery store clerks, but the millions of people self-isolating at home. This pandemic has thrown off many daily routines and paralyzed entire nations. In a world where we used to feel powerful and totally in control, God has humbled us and made clear our completely helpless reality.
In the midst of this phenomenon, God has made his presence and control clear. As Christians, we have a vital role in the navigation of these unique circumstances. We have the opportunity to set an example for the world of how we respond to a crisis and show where our hope and comfort comes from. Psalm 121:1-2 comforts us, saying, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of
heaven and earth.”
Because our help comes from the Lord, our faith can free us from our fear. We know that we have no control over the current state of the world, yet we can also be mindful of the power of prayer. We can not always see what God is doing, but we trust that he is working for our good and for his glory in all of this. When we put our faith in God, we can trust him no matter the outcome. God is far greater than the trials we face. He is bigger than a pandemic. He is greater than the coronavirus. We can solidly put our trust in him to lead us through.
Through reading the Bible, we learn that Jesus is the healer. He performed many miracles throughout his ministry. He is still that same God, capable of healing today. His healing works are a testament to his power and love. As medical technology advances and new discoveries are being made to prevent further spread and eradicate the coronavirus, we see God’s healing power at work. He is using people in the medical field to create vaccines, develop medication to treat the virus, and new methods of detecting it. God is not surprised or afraid of the coronavirus. It is part of his plan and he will use it for his glory.
Our current situation presents a unique opportunity as Christians in the world today. We have the opportunity to spend time at home, growing closer to our families, while also growing closer to Christ. We have time to spend in the word and no excuse otherwise. We should see this trial as an opportunity to grow closer to Christ, and also to be a light to those around us. In times of uncertainty, we can share where our hope is found. It is time we see this trial as an opportunity not to be wasted. Make sure you take time for devotions and reading your Bible, spend time in prayer. Write letters and send cards to those you haven’t seen in awhile. Do not waste this time binging Netflix. See this time as an opportunity to slow down, reach out to those around you, and grow closer to Christ.
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Olivia Heinen is a friend and former classmate of CCHS senior Sierra Van Der Pol. Olivia is a senior at Sheboygan Christian High School in Wisconsin.
