Michael-Grams: M-G: 3.24.20 // A Spiritual Approach to COVID-19

Photo/National Institutes of Health

I normally do not attempt to sound off or comment on a contemporary event that is dynamic and fluid like the spread of COVID-19; I leave that to the authorities. It is not that I do not have an opinion on it, like everyone else, but I pretty much keep it to myself. So, rather than giving fellow believers my view or laying out a physical strategy in dealing with this virus, I wanted to share my simple spiritual approach to this life-threatening, economic-demolishing, activity-isolating unseen enemy of all peoples of the earth.

1. Sovereignty. Though everything seems to be unraveling before my very eyes, I am reminded that God is in control. If it were not so, He would not be sovereign. Nothing enters my life unless it is approved of God.

2. Sufficiency. God is sufficient for all things; He will meet my spiritual and physical needs.

3. Dependence. I own nothing for it all belongs to Him, including my very life. Financial loss could be for testing or chastening. If He brings it back, PTL! If not, PTL!

4. Life. My life is in His hands. It was so prior to COVID-19, and it is now, and it will be after COVID-19, God willing.

5. Attitude. I am to rejoice, pray, and give thanks (1 Thes 5:16-18).1

6. Expectation. I keep on looking for the imminent return of Christ and remaining faithful to Him regardless of the circumstances.

7. Guidance. In my immediate future, if the rapture doesn’t take place, I intend to continue to adhere to the teaching of Prov 3:5-6,

(Prov 3:5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart [the seat of the intellect (Prov 10:8; 15:14, 28), the emotions (Prov 12:25; 13:12; 14:10, 13), and the will (Prov 5:12], and lean not on your own understanding;

(Prov 3:6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

8. Comfort. Feed my faith, not my fears, for I know He will never leave me nor forsake me (Heb 13:5).

I suppose it is an understatement to say that it looks as if we are all in the same pot on the stove! The question I leave with you is this. “What makes our thinking and behavior different than the world without Christ in this stressful time?” Whatever we think, say, or do about COVID-19, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:17, 23). COVID-19 will not determine what happens to me; Jesus will. <><

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You (Isa 26:3).