One night, a couple of weeks ago, after Coronavirus ‘social distancing’ became our new reality, John and I woke up in the early hours of the morning. Our thoughts were agitating on the safety of our children, our extended family and friends, and what we would need to get us through this unanticipated tsunami of virus, death, and uncertainty. The sleep train had left the station, so we decided to go downstairs and get coffee. Steaming mugs in hand we ventured out into the backyard. What did we find? There glowing in the night sky was the soft yellow light of the moon. Yes, the moon, like a faithful sentinel, stood guard over us. (See photo above) In Romans 1:20 we read,
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
The moon was not absent. It was there, reflecting the eternal power and divine nature of our God. That has not changed. He is sovereign over all creation, including the virus that now plagues us and the effects it is having on all of us.
Time for a second cup of coffee. How about the sun? Sunrise was scheduled for 7:24 am that day according to Google. Would that happen? Was this present crisis happening so rapidly and drastically that the sun would not rise today? No, God’s timing is always perfect and at exactly 7:24 am the sun lit up the eastern sky heralding another day filled with opportunities to give glory to the Lord. (see above) Why, we might ask, would the sun rise in this midst of this ‘storm?’ Because,
[God’s] kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion endures throughout all generations. (Ps. 145:13)
We may be beset these days by fear and anxiety, and our faith may even show some signs of wear, but – He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself, (2 Timothy 2:13) – especially in times of heartache and struggle.
Dear friends, when we accept Jesus Christ into our lives, our Lord and Savior promises to be a faithful presence in our life, today, tomorrow and for all eternity. He hears our every prayer. He knows the discomfort of those who are sick, He rests beside those who are dying alone, He hears the cries of those who have lost loved ones and cannot have proper burials, He understands the challenges of our first responders, medical providers and government leaders, and He is there.
So, if you are having a good day today, if you are safe and healthy and sharing a meal with your spouse, or are spending time with your family, and you hold the hope and joy of eternal life in your heart, would you please join me in giving thanks and praise to the Lord for those blessings?
And then, let’s pray for those who are alone, hungry, scared, depressed, sick, and dying. Let’s lift those people suffering up to the Lord for His care and healing. Let’s pray for everyone who is on the frontline of this disease. Let’s pray the Lord draws all of us closer to Him in these turbulent times.
The Apostle Paul tells us that, ‘by grace through faith’ we are saved. How fortuitous is it that today in the midst of this pandemic we honor a day, millennia ago, when Jesus was carried into Jerusalem along with the promise of His securing our future with Him in heaven for all eternity. We are truly blessed to be commemorating this Holy Week culminating in the joy of Easter Sunday during ‘such a time as this.’ Nothing friends, will change or shake the reality of His Resurrection and what it means for those of us who believe in Him.
Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:35,38)
Blessings & Love,
Donna
