What We Know
Everyone has an opinion about COVID-19. Every business, it seems, has an official statement about it. This post is neither. I have been glued to social media this week, seeing updates on who is doing what with their kids on quarantine and working from home, updates on who is sick and how to pray, updates on closures and cancellations. I feel like my brain is melting from trying to take everything in, and then leaking out of my eye sockets as I scroll through more memes and headlines.
God has reminded me through this new season on our globe that our lives were never actually so certain as we thought they were. Our days and our tomorrows were never guaranteed to us, and never guaranteed to be easy. And the COVID-19 pandemic has made this fact glaringly apparent for us.
What do we do about that summer trip or conference?
How will my kids finish their school year?
How can I set up my remote work in order to be productive for my business and not interrupted by said kids not exactly finishing said school year?
And for some of us in the world:
Where will I get my next paycheck?
How will I pay for my next meal?
The uncertainty is far-reaching. We all feel it. So here are some things we can know:
– This virus is new, deadly, and you don’t want to get it.
– God is powerful over sickness, disease, and pestilence, and these things cannot separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39).
– Store shelves are barren.
– God tells us not to worry about what we will eat or drink; when we are concerned first about His kingdom, the rest is taken care of (Matthew 6:31-33).
– There’s real news and there’s fake news. This is a reality of our times.
– Jesus IS Truth, truth comes from Him, and we can rely on His Word (John 1:17; 14:6).
– The economy will suffer. In Thailand, people were already complaining about a poor economy and now it is even worse. Add on Thai schools’ summer break starting now, already a typically quiet time, and businesses are very concerned. It will take time for the global market to recover once the pandemic is over.
– God will supply all your needs (needs) according to HIS riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19) … that’s a whole lot, just sayin’. He gives us abounding grace so that we are sufficiently supplied with what we need to do His will (2 Corinthians 9:8, 10). We do not need to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). Money is not our master, God is (Matthew 6:24). Generosity to others will be our blessing also (2 Corinthians 8:14-15).
– Church services and Bible studies are going online or being cancelled.
– The Church is still the body of Christ and still God’s plan to reach the lost and build His kingdom (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15-16). Church was never just a building or just a Sunday service. We are one together, and we mourn and rejoice together (1 Corinthians 12:26-27).
– These can be scary times. People are afraid and anxious. It is a time of sadness and mourning.
– It’s ok to feel sad! God is our comforter. He works in and through our pain and suffering to comfort others and to reveal His character to us (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). We weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15).
– Social distancing, self-quarantine, isolation, and every other thing like these — they are necessary to put an end to the virus’s spread.
– We still need one another. God made humanity to be in relationship, made in His image, as He is in relationship within Himself (Father, Son, Spirit). Reach out to other people and let them know when you need to talk and when you need help. Ask others how they need help.
– Life going forward will never be the same.
– God does not change, and He is always with us through ours (Micah 3:6; Isaiah 41:10).
Isaiah 41:10:
“Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
<3
Love and prayers,
LB