A Christian Response to Coronavirus

By: Bill Johnson

 

Hand sanitizer flying off store shelves, news media stoking fear and panic, the stock market tumbling, as millions of people overreact to the threat of the coronavirus, which has proven far less deadly than the common flu, numerically.  With a U.S. population of 330 million, we’re experiencing a mass hysteria over a virus that, as of last week, had infected only 1,000 Americans. Our hearts go out to those who are and will be infected; we pray for those and others around the world daily; but should a Christian join in the hysteria we are witnessing? Where is the balance and rest that we are to find as we witness the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man?

Of course we should take commonsense precautions to protect ourselves and others, yet as Christians we are reminded that, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Psalm 20 verse 7 states, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses” – or as we might say today – some trust in sanitizer and some in face masks.

Where do we put our trust?  May we demonstrate that our hope isn’t in mere earthly defenses, but our trust is in the name of the Lord our God.

What about the government’s role in all of this? It has often been said – Everything is politics. That has never been truer than it is in our day and age.

When social media platforms, media outlets, and even medical institutions have been so often weaponized for political purposes, and our politicians are known to spin every story to meet their own ends – like the story of the boy who cried wolf, it becomes impossible to know who to trust. How many people of influence are as concerned with their constituents’ well being as they are with furthering their own agenda?

It is exhausting to strain the truth from the stream of deception towards our minds.

The words of the hymn writer come to mind: “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

Thank God we find absolute truth in His Word! May He give us wisdom to navigate through the sinking sand.

One more thought: Do you know what’s more dangerous than the coronavirus? SIN! Sin is more dangerous than the coronavirus and has far more devastating consequences.

While many are working on treatment and a vaccine for the coronavirus, God has already made a way to deal with humankind’s sin. There’s only one cure for sin and that’s the atoning work of Jesus which was accomplished on the cross. Turn to Him while you still have time.

Whether an epidemic or a pandemic, physical or spiritual warfare, the smallest or greatest of personal concerns, know for a fact that none of it takes God by surprise and that He works all things together for good to them that love Him, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

In light of these truths, let us—with assurance—recognize that this world is NOT our home; humbly cry out to God for help, godly wisdom, and a stronger faith; and rest in His sovereign wisdom, having done all to stand.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

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