God is at Work

Many people who claim to be Christians are aware of a familiar verse in the Bible which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).  This verse suggests three things: (1) God is at work, He does not stand in the background and leave us on our own.  He doesn’t fold his arms, smile and say, it’s your problem, not mine.  (2) God is at work in all things. When good things happen to us we feel blessed of God and encouraged.  But we forget that when bad things happen to us, God is still at work through them.  (3) God’s work is specifically related to those who love Him.  What a joy it is to know that as God’s children, His love for us is so great that He continues to work.

Could it be possible that God is at work in the Covid-19 pandemic? Does God even know what is going on? Is He aware of what we are going through? How could God allow a pandemic happen where people are getting sick and some are dying? We should be aware that this pandemic has not taken God by surprise.  He is sovereign.  That means that He is the ruler of the Universe and as such He is free and has the right to do whatever he wants to do. Psalm 115:3 reminds us that, “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” If God allows a pandemic such as Covid-19, does that mean His desire is to bring harm to us? The answer to that question is found in Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God wants us to succeed, grow and flourish. He doesn't want to hurt, damage or injure us.

So, what exactly is the purpose of Covid-19? To be honest I cannot fully answer that question.  However, I do know that God allows things such as major disasters to get our attention and help us focus on eternal things.  The most important eternal thing for us should be to have a personal relationship (a life-sharing union) with God. It is no secret that as a society we have strayed far from God. A good thing that can come from this pandemic is for us to return to Him.  Maybe God wants us to stop trusting in ourselves, or quit trusting in things, more than we trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 makes it clear, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse reminds us that we need to trust God and whole-heartedly submit to Him.  It also means that we ought to be wary of trusting in ourselves or trusting in what man can do.

What about you?  Are you resting in the fact that God is at work?  Do you trust that God is in control?  Are you aware that God knows what is going on?  Let me remind you again that God is at work.  He is in control and He knows what is going on.  Let’s put our trust in Him and rely on Him to give us strength during this trying time.