God's enduring peace in the pandemic
I’ve been part of this world for a few decades now and never witnessed anything like the events surrounding the pandemic of the coronavirus. Just when we thought we have most things figured out, we are faced with a wave of uncertainty throwing the strongest nations on earth into a state of perplexity. Turns out, even the most advanced, wealthiest and brightest among us are limited by their mortality.
What started in a small town soon became widespread world-dread. This virus is unknown, unseen, yet the greatest fear man faces. In an instant, the priorities of nations changed. It is no longer who has the best war machines or who can outwit the other. There is a common enemy, one that threatens the existence of the world as we know it and whose power could not be checked by the world’s highest courts.
The bickering and frivolous complaints by politicians has given way to scrambling for answers to understand this deadly earth visitor. It is an invisible alien sending nations into hibernation and does not come in peace. Our streets have become ghost towns as fear assaults our norms and steals our freedom.
After thousands of years of calling earth home, we understand less than we know about it. As high and wide as our scientific knowledge is, we are still oblivion to something too small to touch yet big enough to wipe out a considerable percentage of the world’s population. Pondering about it all, I am reminded of humanity’s limitations and the need for a savior.
These are not apocalyptic zombies we can fight swirling the sword, nor aliens in a spherical spaceship we can negotiate with. These are germs that can only be exposed by advance lenses and they are merciless.
Amid all the uproar and fear, the only sense of safety I know is the assurance of a greater glory. One that silences the growl of any virus and even death. A safety that comes from hope in eternity with Christ—speaking peace to my soul and assuring me of the presence of God. While present circumstances stirred by the coronavirus outbreak might be overwhelming, I stand in awe of the creator of the universe and acknowledge His sovereignty over all things.
Earth is a beautiful place to call home but there is a greater glory beyond its shores where there will be no fear, death or pain. God’s mercy is enduring, and His love is everlasting. The perfection of heaven reflects on the price Christ paid on the cross to get us there. Revelations 2:7 says, “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious, I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God (NLT).
This is not the first virus to threaten humanity’s existence and probably won’t be the last. But, like others before it, we will win this war. Christ loved the world enough to die for it (John 3:16) and these little guys won’t end the human race. Nonetheless, wisdom demands that we act with wisdom as we pray for the cure and choose thoughtfully, trusting the unseen God who is more present than our fear.
We are weaker than we think as mortals and no match for God’s infinite greatness, but His mercy endures forever. Martha Olawale
