Is this the end of the world for us? I do not think so, but many times throughout history mankind has suffered greatly. Mankind probably has thought this and asked this question more times than we could count. I know in my mind that I am struggling to comprehend everything that is occurring daily.
Not only is there fear and uncertainty about our health in the face of COVID-19, but many people are losing employment, financial stability, and even hope. We are all uncertain, we are all fearful, and we are all worried. But if we didn’t have our confident hope in Jesus (Romans 12:12), then we would be far worse off if our hope was in the world.
Therefore, I pray that everyone puts their own thoughts aside and look to God. Because in Him, we are secure no matter what the outcome brings. Paul continues in Romans:
And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:3-5).
Uncertainty During the Coronavirus
In the Bible, there was so much uncertainty, anticipation, and worry. But even with all of that, faith was not lost. In Hebrews 11, the Bible talks about how many people of faith like Moses or Abraham continued to seek God and obey Him despite the uncertainty. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
Their circumstances required them to have faith no matter the outcome. For example, if we decide to take matters into our own hands and take complete control of the uncertainty, then we are not putting our faith in God. We are putting our faith and confidence in ourselves.
In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, it says,
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
In uncertainty, it's easy to resort to earthly treasures like financial income to be our foundation to stand on. We easily put our trust in wealth because we can see it with our eyes. But when troubled times strike like in our current circumstance, we tend to panic and worry about how bills will be paid, and everything else. Our security is now being depleted. But our faith should not be. Our foundation first and foremost should always be Jesus Christ.
When we trust in the living God, we are believing, without seeing, that God is our source. God has the authority and power to give and take away. Job can be an example of this statement because he was completely taken from everything, and I mean everything.
In Job 1:20-21, it says, “Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
I am sure Job was terrified like many of you are now. I know for me that I have struggled to comprehend what is going on. I tried to reason in my mind and figure out how I am going to get through all of this during this uncertain time. Money is important in this world. But what is more important is to put our faith and trust in God. We cannot dwell on the uncertainty and trust God in the same mindset.
It says in the Bible that those who are double-minded are unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). Also, know that when your faith is being tested that it is an invitation to find joy in the testing. Because when your faith is tested, your endurance and perseverance will grow (James 1:2-3).
Hope During the Coronavirus
So, you ask where is the hope? I think many of us are consumed with worrisome thoughts and questions. Some questions I have asked myself are filled with anger, sadness, confusion, and much more. We see the numbers go up from those that are sick and dying from COVID-19.
We wonder how life will return back to normal. But in reality, it's more terrifying when we are caught up in our own thoughts and understanding. When we let our minds fill us rather than God's Word, that's when we are in trouble.
The Bible says that the devil is prowling around, looking to those he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). It also says, “Be alert and sober minded.” How do we do that? We do this by reading God's Word, praying, and giving God our thoughts to Him. What really helps me sometimes is when a negative thought comes, I combat it with God's Word.
What Does This Mean?
Now, I am human just like you all. I sometimes, and lately, have been letting these negative thoughts rule my mind. But it is the hope that Jesus Christ gave when He took my burdens and sins on the cross that keeps me sane. I pray that all of us keep our faith, hope, and eyes on God. Because God is our source and life. He will not ever forsake us.
You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word (Psalm 119:114).
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Rebecca Mashburn (Gordon) has a wonderful husband named Joseph. She has a blog, Trust. Lean, Seek and is working on becoming what God is calling her to. She has a bachelor's in psychology and hopes to one day pursue a degree in biblical counseling. Rebecca loves to be in nature, especially in springtime, and she loves to travel. She has a loving family and hopes one day to have children of her own.
