These are uncertain days. It is likely that you have already heard, along with the whole world,that we are experiencing the spread of COVID-19, a virus which can provide serious problems, even loss of life, for seniors and people with health challenges. We have been instructed by governments at all levels to stay home as much as possible and maintain a “social distance” of at least 6 feet. We hear of businesses closing, of irrational stocking up on the bare necessities, even of purchasing guns as if the end of the world is near.
Around the world people are informed on a daily or minute by minute basis regarding where, and how many people this virus is affecting. Among the reliable and helpful information is a host of misinformation, bad advice, quack cures, scams and conspiracy theories.
However, there are still some people who have not heard the message because they are not “plugged in”. Others choose not to hear or to heed the warnings.
We first heard of this virus as if it was distant thunder in a far away land. Today we are hearing from people we actually know who have family members affected by this virus. We can listen to the voice of fear…or have the assurance of faith through the voice of God.
The prophet Isaiah wrote
“Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV