Does He speak and not do what He says? Does He promise and not come through?
Numbers 23:19 (The Message)
The disruption to daily living and chaos of all things Coronavirus (COVID-19) have turned my thoughts more readily toward eternity. And not because I’m on the cusp of entering it…that I know of.
I’ve found myself longing for the day when God will return for His people and make all things new.
No more need for hand sanitizer or toilet paper shortages or highly anticipated wedding cancellations or gym and restaurant closings or sheesh housing restless college-age kids who are now stuck at home for what has become a never-ending spring break.
I’m working to set my mind on things above rather than things of this earth. (Colossians 3:2)
Or, as The Message translation puts it,
Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ…See things from His perspective.
In response to the virus outbreak, I’ve ramped up prayers on multiple levels.
I’ve considered ways to be a blessing and practical help to those in my sphere of influence, however limited in contact they may be. #socialdistancing
In all of it, God reassures me He’s not unaware or befuddled. Dealing with selfish, rebellious and evil acts among His creation isn’t His first rodeo.
Think back to the days of Noah…
The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. (Genesis 6:5)
Thatsa lotta evil.
So, why didn’t God just wipe out everything and everyone in the great flood and begin anew?
Because…
…Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Genesis 6:8
I get that.
But deeper still, there’d been an unbreakable promise given.
God promised to redeem His people through Eve’s offspring, Jesus of Nazareth, the Redeemer, Who would crush Satan’s head.
I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your offspring and hers.
He will crush your head….Genesis 3:15
That. Right. There.
Eliminating Noah and his family would have cut the lineage through which the promised Head Crusher would come.
No Noah? No Jesus.
When God promises He won’t UNpromise.
In the midst of the virus pandemic, have you let yourself become uncertain about whether or not He can be trusted to come through? Have upended circumstances shaken your faith in Him? What’s been your heart response to hearing “cancelled” or “isolation”?
In what areas might you be questioning His faithfulness to a promise He’s made?
Remember Noah. Further still, remember His promise to Eve. And take heart.
He can’t be unfaithful.
Trusting Him together with you,
Mary
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✏️ Two of my 2019 inspirational articles that were published in Refresh, Online Bible Study Magazine, are featured in this 40 short Bible studies compilation, The Power to Make a Difference Available on Amazon.