On this sunny autumn day, I took a walk down to an old familiar sycamore tree that I’ve always loved. Over the years I have often sat alone under this tree in this quiet place to pray. Today I prayed for my children and loved ones – both at home in Ireland and others far away. I prayed for one presently living and working in Israel who messaged me this week to say that she was unwell from the virus. Apart from serious health diagnoses in our own lives and in the lives of those who are close to us, this has been one of the most challenging times some of us have ever had to face….
I don’t leave it for a long time before looking once again at the Worldometer live statistics regarding the spread of Coronavirus. In some countries it would be appearing to be gathering worrying momentum, while in others it is a slight but steady rise – but few have eradicated it. The reason for not leaving it for a long time, from a personal point of view, is so that the shock won’t be too great. Also, as Christians we need to be aware and to take stock of situations in order to pray about them effectively. The Lord has allowed this situation to come about; mankind is the cause of its own downfall and unfortunately whether it is rain or plagues, they fall “on the just and the unjust.” I hear complaints about masks and lockdown but I hear no one talking about the judgement of God. And I hear of no organised prayer meetings (with the permitted number of people, adhering to present legislation) being held in respect of this serious worldwide situation.
In days gone by I remember whole days of prayer being held on specific serious issues but these days Christians are strangely not even speaking about it. Why is there so little prayer about a situation where people are not only dying from this virus – but because of it? The reality is that people are dying on waiting lists for other health issues concerning heart problems and cancer etc…. and the terrible reality is that many are not ready to meet the Lord.
To preach (as I’ve heard some do) that government legislation to curb the spread of this disease is “persecution” is ridiculous. Sadly, many who profess to be Christians have shown a very poor example at this time and indeed I believe that because of rebellion and unacceptance of the reality of a horrific situation which is affecting millions of souls, friction and disagreement have been stirred up by those who should know better. Surely they realise that some good things have happened because of lockdowns…. Less socialising in those places which displease the Lord, less access to drugs and less promiscuity.
Has the Lord put it in your heart to reach others by some means? This is a time to stay close to Him, to be aware and to seek His direction for the future when things will open up again. We need to work with situations and not fly in the face of something which has been allowed by God.
It has been said that “Coronavirus has not gone away because we have got tired of it.” There is a work for every child of God in even seemingly impossible situations – to write, to communicate, to encourage and to pray. How our loved ones, neighbours and acquaintances need our prayers! Life is precious and every moment the Lord gives us needs to be lived to His glory.
This is also a time to show example by complying with the advice given by health authorities. Just because something has not been made mandatory – doesn’t mean that we should disregard guidelines. I have never worn a mask because I am afraid of the virus, although who wants to get a virus? I wear a mask in situations where it is possible that I may unknowingly pass this on to a vulnerable person who may not survive it. How can I call myself a Christian and not care about the physical or spiritual welfare of my contacts? No one is immune from this virus or from spreading it. Those who name the Name of Christ should care about their fellow travellers in this life, whatever their profession of faith, which is why I don’t understand the reluctance of many to wear a mask to prevent spread of the disease. If you think that this is tantamount to “faith over fear,” then why bother with the flu vaccine and other health precautions?
Some day Coronavirus will be no more. Will we look back on this period of history (if the world continues for much longer) as a time when the shameful perpetuating of conspiracy theories has eaten up professing Christians – or will it be viewed as a time when something pure and new is born in the hearts of those whose desire is to be consecrated to the Lord, to be ever closer to Him and to reach others? “…the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” (Daniel 11v32)
This is a time to lift our hearts to the Lord and pray. Potentially there is much to be anxious about, when we think of what is going on in the lives of loved ones but the Bible tells us to “be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4v6)
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3)