I know the title may shock you. However, one of the most asked questions lately is “what do you think about the virus?” “How should a Christian process these recent events?” At first, I was tempted to complain.
Yet I also reflected on the things gained. One of those items has been time. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul saying, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:15-16). Time is precious because it is fleeting and we will never get back. In light of this passage, please consider three reflections of the grace God has given as a result of this virus.
A Time for Meditation
We are only a few months into the year 2020, and it has been rough. There have been numerous deaths, earthquakes, sicknesses and more. I’ve personally lost my grandmother, two cousins and my friend has been laid off all in a number of months. Sin is running rampant. Despite all of the destruction, this virus has allowed a time of meditation and reflection. We have time to sit back from the busyness of life think and reflect upon God and His creation.
People are out walking and exercising. This time provides us with the opportunity to enjoy God and His creation. One can think upon how God is working and how this virus may be used as a tool to draw man unto Himself. This can be used as a time for prayer and the Word.
A Time for Prayer and the Word
Reading the Word and praying is something all believers should already be doing (like washing your hands!). Nevertheless, think about how much more time to read and pray. There is more of a period to explore different books of the Bible you may have never studied. Certain books you may deliberately avoid because of the work involved.
You can pray for those who have been afflicted with the virus, the poor, widows, single mothers, churches impacted, the elderly, those with respiratory issues, the economy and other hardships incurred. There are opportunities to pray for others around the world and within your own community. I’ve heard a pastor say on his deathbed the one thing he regretted is that he didn’t pray more. This pandemic provides parents to spend time with their children in the Word.
A Time for Family
This virus has provided numerous hours for parents to instruct their children in the Word of God. Fathers can spend precious moments playing with their sons. Mothers can spend minutes enjoying their daughters, discipling in the Word, family worship and numerous other opportunities allowable. “Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deut 6:4-7). Even if you don’t have children or immediate family, consider the other two reflections or take advantage of the technological advances bestowed to us (FaceTime, Zoom etc).
This virus has affected us all. My heart truly goes out to the ones who have been diagnosed with the virus. My heart goes out to the ones who have been affected financially. If anything, this virus should remind us there is something wrong with the world. And there is One who will make all things new and His name is Jesus. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Rev 21:4-5).
