Ever since the Coronavirus erupted, the world has changed dramatically.
We find ourselves tuning in to news updates; daily, every hour, minute and second. Our devices are ever buzzing with new information from all sources- trusted and untrusted. Global news updates are massively increasing, be it on the virus or the economy or social issues; but so are fake news. Conmen seize such ‘opportunities’ to benefit themselves- an occurrence I still can’t comprehend.
Despite all of these economic problems arising, discomfort with changes in lifestyles due to quarantines imposed, work from home schedules, social distancing in public and so on, how are we responding?
To be quite frank, initially, my faith was unshaken. I strongly believe (and still do) that Jesus is in control and will always be. The entire Coronavirus saga is NOT from Him but yet He’ll allow this to use it as an opportunity for the world to know Him, to come into contact with Him, to feel Him, to experience His touch personally.
And in spite of the increasing cases worldwide, I’m thankful that the technology we have available today allows for quick detection, that we’ve scientists working endlessly to find cures and vaccines, that our healthcare system in Singapore especially, is superb in our facilities, that our institutions are all working hand in hand to ensure seamless contact tracing, that our government is so ever supportive in not just boosting the economy, but the welfare of its people, not letting any get sifted through its nets of benefits.
And the list goes on, there’s just so much to be thankful for, and perhaps without this Coronavirus, we wouldn’t have seen all these and realize that there’s much to be thankful for.
That said, I have to say that the world’s responses and emotions will inevitably affect ours. We can be full of faith one moment
but fear the next. We can be declaring healing and restoration one minute but be doubtful of what we say next.
As the world gets darker and darker amidst this seemingly ending storm that’s raging on with fears that are ever rising, we can unknowingly get sucked into this cycle of fear and anxiety too. It’s one thing to be cautious, to exercise social responsibility and wisdom in our actions, but another, to act out of fear and worry. I empathise with this as I watch for myself how the actions and behaviours of people around me have inevitably affected the way I think, act and operate.
Despite so, I’m thankful that the Lord is faithful and always has His ways of drawing me back to His word, His truth that anchors me, protects me and brings hope in this darkness.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NKJV)
Sometimes I do wonder, where exactly is God in all of this? Can He just put a stop to this asap? It’s causing too much disruptions in all our lives and as a creature of habit, it’s seriously unbearable to have my schedules turned topsy turvy.
But then again, I need to hit pause (literally and metaphorically). I need to remind myself that God’s ways are above my ways, above men’s ways, His thoughts are above ours and there’s no way we are going to be able to fully comprehend what He is allowing now. Perhaps, on hindsight, when this pandemic blows over, we might; but rather than wait for that ‘hindsight’ to come, why not be present? Be in the now; be in the present; and most importantly, be in the presence of God.
As we can all see and experience for ourselves, the general trend across nations is for people to stay home, stop social events, curb unnecessary interactions- literally hitting a PAUSE button on our social lives. For social creatures, this is seen as a curse, but even for the non-social ones, normal events like grocery shopping has turned into a much dreaded trip since queues are long, stocks are running low etc.
While I do have my fair share of sulking in one corner and complaining about all these inconveniences, perhaps, just perhaps, this PAUSE is a much needed break we all need from our hustle and bustle? Perhaps, the PAUSE is an opportunity for us to spend more time with friends whom we’ve never thought we would get to interact much, online? Perhaps, this PAUSE is for us to spend more time with the Lord, be it in our conversations with Him in our own ways of worship, or with kingdom friends? There could be so many perhaps, and we’d never know what God’s plan is. But perhaps, it’s much better to see what we can do with the present gift of PAUSE and taste for ourselves what true rest is?
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him”
Psalm 34:8 (NIV)
I pray that even as we get bombarded each day with more and more news updates, more victims and more turmoil, we shall not succumb to the spirit of fear, but be a vessel that can be used by God to bless others around.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
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