"How God Can Use This Pandemic for Good"

 

As we look around us, we can see many negative results from the Pandemic and ensuing Lockdowns and restrictions, now beginning their second year. People are more isolated from others who live outside their own homes, as get-togethers and visitations are somewhat suppressed. Churches have new limitations on how many can worship God “live” in the church building at one time. Some businesses have to close, which mean people must find new jobs or be unemployed. And others who are blessed to work from home may have new obstacles (school-age children who now have to remote-learn that are at home, requiring attention during their working hours, for example).

Furthermore, because of this Pandemic, women who are abused may have to spend more time at home with their abusers, ditto for abused children.  Violence is up. Pornography use is escalating, according to surveys, and I’m sure alcohol and drug use are increasing, as well. Many are depressed and angry and feel helpless to change things. Suicides are up! Yes, the list of ways that the Pandemic might affect society is a negative way is very, very long, but do we consider the GOOD that may come from it all?

Romans 8:28 distinctly says that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (NKJV). This Scripture is especially comforting for those who are saved and therefore “love God,” those who know that He has called us and is working out HIS plan for our lives!  Yet, there is comfort for everyone, Christian or not, in this passage. You see, the verse shows that it is possible good CAN come out of anything and everything! Maybe that’s why the old saying declares that “there’s a silver lining in every cloud.” When we can’t socialize with friends outside our homes like we used to? Maybe it will help some as they must now cultivate relationships with their own immediate family more. The lack of access to “live” church services has caused many to learn to “Livestream,” a tool to reach people with the Gospel that will prove helpful even when this Pandemic ends. And ultra-busy parents who were used to pursuing their careers (and leaving the raising of their children exclusively to others) now have the opportunity to see how valuable THEIR input into their kids’ lives is, and to rethink priorities. What’s more important, your career or your children?

BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT WAYS THIS PANDEMIC MAY ACTUALLY BENEFIT US IS AS FOLLOWS. If we already know the Lord, this is an opportunity to GROW in Him. If you can leave your house, consider reaching out to help someone who maybe cannot, or will not, leave theirs. Reach out by telephone, text or e-mail. We certainly have many ways to communicate with others on the outside of our homes that previous generations did not have! Most of all, use the stewardship of more free time (if the pandemic affords you that) to grow as a Christian. Read more good books, watch or listen to godly TV and radio broadcasts more. One way the pandemic is benefitting ME is that I’ve come to see that there’s more I can, and need to, do around the house to help my wife out. Look for ways to serve more, first at home and then (if possible) outside of your home.

And to those who DON’T yet know or love the Lord, good may come out of this Pandemic for you, also. It’s a time to reflect on where you are at with God. See how He allowed the whole world to come to a standstill? One day, He may allow YOUR world…your PERSONAL world… to shut down “just like that.” Death may overtake you suddenly, and where will you go if you are not right with Him through the blood of Christ? All the trials of this Pandemic may be a blessing-in-disguise, if they cause you to see that your “hope” is passing away, you have not built your house upon the Rock, who is God, Himself.

In Psalm 119:67, David wrote “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” May the affliction of this Pandemic be used of God to cause MANY to “keep His word” and get saved! May we all see and seize the opportunities of this Pandemic Season!