Why Is The Coronavirus Happening?

How God can use the coronavirus in our world today

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.
Isaiah 41:10

Fear is an emotion God has built into us for momentary protection. He does not intend for us to live in the condition of fear. Our choice is either to live in faith or to live in fear. If we live in faith, it removes anxiety. I notice my neighbours in a great state of anxiety. Scripture includes 366 fear-not verses in the Bible, which means every day we wake up there's another one.

What may be happening here?

1) God is calling people of the world to turn to Him for protection. This is no surprise to Him; He saw this coming.

2) He's calling His church to be His faithful witnesses and not carry out business as usual. 

It’s time for the gospel

I love the story of Exodus.  God is calling Moses to speak to the people, to speak to Pharaoh and tell the people to move to the Promised Land. Moses' response is, I don't want to be a speaker, I'm not a good speaker, so he begins an argument with God. 

Our tendency is not to speak openly about Jesus. The church is quiet! We know that. What we've done as Christians is to isolate ourselves in the community. Your church is fine, my church is fine but more and more people are not going to church. It's because we're not witnessing, we're not speaking about Jesus. 

I notice over the past several days that my neighbors are asking me, because they know I'm a "religious guy".  Generally, when I speak to them, I get blank stares.  There's no understanding of what I'm saying. My neighbors are now saying, "What do you think of this?" - they're asking! I think the world is asking, "What do you think about this?" It's time for the gospel. This is one of the best moments I've seen in some time. 

Follow Moses’ example

What is the basis for our faith?  Going back to our example of Moses, I think what God was doing was sending the Egyptians plagues of various types as a warning. He wanted Pharaoh to let the people go. However, when you read that story in Exodus, none of the plagues touched the Israelites. It was God choosing to protect them. Even the death of the firstborn passed over the Israelites. In the face of death in the family that night, can you imagine what it was like, from the youngest to the oldest? Can you imagine what chaotic situation this was?  "But not a dog shall growl against any of the people of Israel, either man or beast, that you may know that the LORD makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel." (Exodus 11:7)

I'm not saying Christians will not fall victim. But what is going on is that God is at work! He's leading us like He led the ancient Israelites. He's leading us to a land of milk and honey. Something good will come out of this for millions of people. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. 

There's a reason for our trust in GodRead Psalm 91: 1-12:
My Refuge and My FortressHe who dwells in the shelter of the Most High  will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,  my God, in whom I trust.”
For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler  and from the deadly pestilence.He will cover you with His pinions,  and under His wings you will find refuge;  His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.You will not fear the terror of the night,  nor the arrow that flies by day,nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,  nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,  ten thousand at your right hand,  but it will not come near you.You will only look with your eyes  and see the recompense of the wicked.
Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—  the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you,  no plague come near your tent.
For He will command His angels concerning you  to guard you in all your ways.On their hands they will bear you up,  lest you strike your foot against a stone.

Pray this week:Father, in this time of uncertainty, make me a faithful witness of Your good news!