“And we know that God CAUSES all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (NASB)
Everything begins with a thought (Proverbs 23:7). You will not navigate this pandemic crisis unless you seize your thought life. When Timothy said that we were not to succumb to the spirit of fear, he contrasted in part with having a “sound” or healthy mind (2 Timothy 1:7). You will not navigate this current crisis successfully as a Christian unless you understand that there is a war raging for your mind at this very moment. Whoever (or whatever) wins that battlefield, will ultimately determine the quality of your life. In order to primarily help myself, I am going to post some Pandemic Perspective moments to help renew my mind. You are welcome to check in and to whatever extent it helps you…well…to God be the glory.
Question: Do you really believe that no matter what the circumstance may currently be, that God can actually “cause” it to be used for good? The passage did not say God causes all circumstances (although that conversation may be interesting), but rather whatever the circumstance, He can cause it ultimately for good. Do I really believe that? At this very moment? When the Dow is dropping, people are being laid-off in mass in our country, and I can’t find any toilet paper? Do I really believe God has that kind of ability both nationally and personally?
OR
Was my faith simply theoretical as I lived in a first world nation which had incredible safety nets and conveniences?
What do I really believe? Who will I really believe?
My answer is going to tell me a lot about how I really think…
Could it be that revival I was praying about is actually being orchestrated by God at this very moment in this historically ripe atmosphere?
Could it be that God is breaking our cultural idols and weening our affections from vain and empty things? Could He be forcing us into reprioritizing our lives?
Could it be that God is correcting His Church and trying to break old wineskins and create new ones to consolidate that revival we all said was coming?
Could it be that some dear people I know (including family) who have lost a job might actually be seeing God shift their lives to something better?
Could it be that a season of miracles is approaching, but we needed a landscape of desperation to solicit them?
Could it be He is using this time to unveil who has built their lives on sand or rock?
Did we really think all those verses in the Bible were simply inspirational stories and lessons that we were never going to be tested on?
How am I thinking? Am I really trying to see God’s perspective, or am I just irritated and aggravated that my seemingly perpetual expectation of total convenience and first world accommodations are suddenly upended?
I will pray for those directly effected by this virus. I am believing that God will assist scientists and medical professionals as they labor to facilitate healing in some really desperate situations. However, I choose to see God at work in an unprecedented way in these unprecedented days. He is the Master of navigation in uncharted waters. I put my trust and my allegiance in Him. I stand upon His Word.
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