The Provision in Pandemic

The current pandemic of COVID-19 has affected mankind globally and still claiming many lives around the world. The situation has created a crisis and panic in human beings. Political leaders and health experts and scientific researchers are helpless and are still searching for a remedy. It seems we all are in a very desperate and bleak condition where the very existence of human life is threatened. But is there any hope or a “handle to hold on” to in the midst of the pandemic?

Let us look to the Word of God and the God of the Word: We have the following provision in any pandemic or uncertainties…

1. Provision of God’s Person (Matthew 28:20) Jesus said, “ .. I will be with you always, even to the end of the age.” Solitude, loneliness, self-isolation, social distancing, quarantine, and other related words and experiences may depress and bring emotional trauma in many people. However, the Christian is safe and secure in all circumstances, whether in a company or alone, because Jesus has promised His personal attention to be with us. It is always comforting to know that God is with us, whether we know it or not.
2. Provision of God’s Peace (John 14:27). The peace which comes from God is permanent and is passed on to all who have accepted Christ the Prince of peace as their Saviour. Peace in our hearts and minds is crucial for us to survive and behave as fully potential and active human beings. The emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being is dependent upon the peace of God each of us have from the God of peace.
3. Provision of God’s Presence ( Exodus 33:14) When Moses the leader of Israelites were under much pressure to give proper leadership and mobility forward in their journey to the Promised Land, he asked God for His help. In return, the Lord God promised Moses His Presence. What a relief to know that in our panic or when in a pandemic we can rely on the promise of God’s presence to be with us. This is a permanent presence that goes with us in good times and bad times.
4. Provision of God’s Power (Ephesians 1:19; Acts 1:8). Powerlessness causes paralysis in all aspects of our life. Loss of energy and the vitality in body, soul, and spirit affect the personality of the man or woman dangerously. Power is precious and especially when it is divine power for divine purposes. God’s power in God’s man/woman is to accomplish God’s agenda on earth. The power that is received is to be released for the work of the Kingdom of God.
5. Provision of God’s Protection (2 Thessalonians 3:3). The PPE and personal precautions are taken may help to an extent to protect ourselves from dangers and death. But the provision of God for our protection from the schemes of Satan and the wrong attitudes and attacks from evil people are no match for anything that is formed against a Christian. Be under God’s protection always.
6. Provision of God’s Program (Jeremiah 1:5) Jeremiah didn’t feel up to it to be enlisted in God’s program. But God’s program is based on divine initiation and design and has no bearing on human efficiency or quality. Jeremiah’s call and commissioning as a prophet to a rebellious nation of Israel/Judah was not an easy task. But God in His foreknowledge has seen it is fitting to mark out and anoint him as the man for the hour for the nation. Can you argue with God or make an excuse for your inadequacy? You are wasting your time because he has already enlisted you in His program. Just get on with it.
7. Provision of God’s Purpose (Jude v.24) The God of the Bible is a God of Purpose. He does everything with a specific plan and purpose and works together to reach the goal and His ultimate purpose. All believers will be prepared and presented to the Father in heaven as the Bride of Christ. God’s ultimate purpose is to dwell with a man forever and ever. Nothing can abort the purpose of God. His purpose will prevail regardless of pandemic, panic, and problems. He is Supreme and Sovereign and shall reign forever and ever.

Pandemic has provided opportunities for us to see the hand of God at work. May we rely on the provisions of God as we move on in faith?

God bless you.

Pastor Joe Kurian