People are occupied with protecting themselves and others from the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Many are preoccupied with fear and anxiety. Some are so afraid of losing control, or access to stuff, they overbuy and hoard things like toilet paper.
We see nations closing off from each other, businesses executing temporary shutdowns, and individuals quarantined by choice.
Facebook posts and conversations in the few areas where people still share space, although at a minimum of six feet apart, include the topic that maybe the end really IS near.
Perhaps.
But only God knows for certain.
He holds the times, the seasons, the nations, the people, and all of creation.
His word reassures us that He will never leave nor forsake us. He states, “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age,” Matthew 28:20 (NASB).
During my prayers the other day I recognized that gratitude and thanksgiving overflow my cup. I’m grateful I still have my health and my job. I’m thankful my extended family is getting on well. We suffer some financial struggle but right now everything is pretty good.
God is not surprised by anything. He knows our thoughts and our concerns.
Jesus knew
the questions the Pharisees asked before they even had time to speak.
the betrayal, and by whom
the rejections and Peter’s denial
Jesus knows
the current AND FUTURE impact of this virus on His people and on the world
He isn’t surprised by anything.
Nothing in the past shocked Him
Nothing now amazes Him
Nothing in the future defeats Him
Even though not everyone agrees on the exact interpretation of His words, or upon the timing of events, the truth is
God knows our past
He holds our present
And He orders our future
Praise be to God!!
Lord be near to us through Your word and in the hopes of Your people. If this disease is a judgment to shake us out of Christian complacency. Give us the courage and the strength to continue to reach out a hand to help another. Use this dangerous virus to draw people to Christ for it is HE alone who can save us. Amen
~ Cindy Payne
©2020
paynefulponderings 
I really like what you’re doing here, Cindy! Keep it up!
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