Top ten ways God may be working COVID-19 for good
I have in my right hand, direct from my home office in Corn Borer, Indiana, today category: Top ten ways God may be working coronavirus for good.
10. Crises tend to bring people together. Remember the sense of unity following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, mass shootings, etc.? It may take a tragedy like the corona virus to bring oneness to this broken, divided world—and Church.
9. The global pandemic provides a way for Christians to shine with their love for others. Jesus teaches his followers, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35).
8. It’s an opportunity for believers to share with others. So, be generous, e.g. don’t hoard hand sanitizer and toilet paper. That’s just selfish!
7. It provides a way to display trust in God and his peace in a crisis. People will notice if you’re not freaking out on social media. Instead of spreading panic, spread peace! Rather than rumors, reassurance. Not fear, but faith.
6. It’s also a time with services cancelled, to learn to feed one’s self. God never intended for believers to be spoon-fed by professional Bible teachers. A great time to stay home and open your Bible.
5. With schools and colleges shutting down, it’s a chance for more family time. Okay, that can be as much of a challenge as a blessing, but make the most of it. Don’t squander this opportunity for quality time!
4. The American Church may look back on the CVID-19 containment measures as an important time in preparing for future persecution. With public disdain for Christians and the organized church rapidly growing in the United States, there may come a time when churches are locked down by the government as a way to curb its “hateful” and “intolerant” message.
3. The coronavirus containment will highlight the need for small group fellowship rather than huge gatherings of virtual strangers. The Church is an intimate gathering of believers with which to share life.
2. The closing of church buildings can also emphasize that the Church is not a building or a location, but God’s people throughout their communities. Consider inviting friends over Sunday morning for brunch and a Bible study. That is so New Testament!
And the number one way God may be working coronavirus for good . . .
1. It could prove an unforeseen blessing. I’m a firm believer “that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose . . . to become like his Son” (Romans 8:28-29). Not everything is good—especially a worldwide pandemic. But God can redeem the worst into something for the best.
This is not a time for fear and retreat, but an unprecedented opportunity to creatively and compassionately be the Body of Christ.
Copyright © 2020 James N. Watkins
Photo: KITV
Related sites
• I’m giving up fear for Lent
• Overcoming Fear and Worry (Read a free excerpt from my latest book)
• What would Jesus say about coronavirus?
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