“Hope in a Crisis”
By Pastor Donald Parker
Coronavirus is one everyone’s mine. The impact of this virus has caused all of us to change our normal routine in life. No one knows how long it will last, nor what lies ahead for us, except for Almighty God Himself.
In a matter of a few days everyone’s lives were turned upside down. We went from living normal lives, to an unprecedented epidemic that caused paranoia all across our country. In one moment everything was normal, and in the very next moment, everything turned into panic and confusion.
In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, we find a story about King Jehoshaphat who was informed of not one, but three enemy armies headed his way. The news terrified him because he realized he didn’t have the resources to fight the enemy. The Bible says, in verse 3, “Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire to the Lord.” Another translation says, “He begged the Lord for guidance” a wise approach to any situation. We also see that the people from every town in Judah were seeking the Lord’s help.
Jehoshaphat closes his prayer in verse 12 and says this, “God, we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” This is a powerful example and how we as Christians can respond to a crisis such as this virus. Keep your eyes on the Lord!
Another example of a crisis situation is found in Matthew 8:23-27. “Then he (Jesus) got into a boat and his disciples followed him. (24) Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. (25) The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ (26) He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (27) The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
The boat ride across the Sea of Galilee went from peaceful – to raging winds and waves, in a matter of moments. Their lives were suddenly changed – just as our lives had been suddenly changed by the outbreak of this virus. Jesus replied; ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then rebuked the winds and waves, notice what happened next in verse 27, “The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
For a moment they forgot or just didn’t realize that the One who created the winds and waves had the power to control the winds and waves. You and I, my friend, can be certain that God is in this boat with us. He’s in the storm that we’re riding in and He has the power to stop this storm – this virus. He will see us through this storm.
As Believers we often go through difficulties and trouble, and yes even moments of crisis. They might last a day – a week – a month – a year or longer, but they do end. For Christians, all our problems – our sickness – our troubles – end the very moment we enter eternity in heaven.
As Christians (someone who has put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior) we are God’s children and he promises to never leave us or forsake us. The Coronavirus didn’t catch God off guard. He’s still on His throne – He’s still in control – and He will see us through this!
Our hope in this crisis is in God Almighty! Our only hope of eternity in heaven is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you would like to know more about having a personal relationship with Jesus, please contact me. I also want to invite you to join us for Worship Service this Sunday Live on Facebook.
