There’s no doubt that covid 19 has impacted too many across the world, physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually. It has also caused many to turn towards God.
The biggest question asked now is, “Is this a sign of the end times?” We certainly aren’t the first people to ask this question. It has been asked for thousands of years, dating as far back as the disciples asking Jesus in Matthew 24:3: “What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?”
Jesus responded to this question by saying. “You will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” (Matthew 24:6-8)
The answer to the question, “How should Christians respond to the coronavirus?” is more than just a choice of faith over fear. I believe the response to the corona virus can be found in 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
The truth is, pandemic or not, we can’t keep living the way we want and expect God to honor it. I am in no way saying that God caused this virus. Remember, it is Satan who brings sickness and disease. It is God who brings healing.
But are we opening the door to Satan’s schemes by the way we choose to live?
I personally don’t believe this is the end. But the truth is no one knows. Jesus went on in Matthew 24:36 to say:
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, abut the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:36-44)
Even though I don’t believe we are in the end, I do believe we should be better prepared for we won’t know when the end is near.
So how do we respond and prepare?
For starters, we need to surrender our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This means acknowledging him as Savior, and repenting of our sins. To repent means to turn away from ANYTHING that is not in line with God. Not just the big ticket items, but everything that God considers sin. Being a good person will not get you into heaven. The Bible is clear on that. Going to church isn’t going to get you into heaven. Believing in the Son of God and surrendering your life completely to him…now that is your ticket in.
Maybe you’re saying, ‘Kris, I already do that.’
Great. You’re going to heaven. Now, take as many people with you as you can.
Because, sadly, many have mistakenly taken advantage of God’s wonderful grace. If this is you, I want to encourage you to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, pray, seek Him and repent of your sins.
I pray that you would have a heart that is bent towards God and glorifying His kingdom here on this earth.
Perhaps you’re walking right with the Lord and you need to pray for the people of this world. Would you join me in praying:
“Lord, thank you for being slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Thank you that your desire is that all would turn to you. I ask Lord that you would reach your hand out again to those who are lost and wayward. May your kindness lead them to repentance. May they no longer be enamored by the things of this world but have a desire to follow after you with their whole heart. Amen.”
If nothing else, let this be a wake up call for all of us. May we not continue to live our lives according to our own standard and desires.
If this isn’t the end, it will be soon. And even if it’s not in our lifetime, your life will come to an end someday. The question is, whom, will you have served?
If you desire to live God’s plan for your life, grab a copy of my FREE Uncover Your God Given Purpose Guide to get you started on the path.
