Pandemic

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “a pandemic is a global outbreak of a disease. It happens when a new virus emerges to infect people and can spread between people sustainably. Because there is no pre-existing immunity against the new virus, it spreads worldwide.” COVID-19 has radically changed the way we live, work, worship, and socialize.

A number of pandemics have occurred throughout history. But only the first pandemic infected everyone on earth and continues to do so even today. The first pandemic resulted when man disobeyed God’s command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). Man’s disobedience ushered the infectious agent of sin into the world. Sin separated man from God. Adam’s sin was passed down and infects all humans. No one escapes sin’s contamination. Galatians 3:22 says, “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin.” Like COVID-19, sin affects all areas of life: physical, spiritual, relational, and financial.

Vaccines have been developed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but there is no cure and none of the vaccines are 100% effective. However, there is no human antidote for man’s sin condition. We cannot reconcile ourselves to God. But because of God’s infinite love and desire for relationship with man, He provided the one and only means for restored relationship that is 100% effective; it is the free gift of salvation that is made available to all through His Son Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Christ’s sacrificial death redeems us from the penalty and power of sin.

Romans 8:39 says nothing can separate you from the love of God; that means sickness, financial hardship, or anything else. The Bible says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Call on the name of Jesus when you are hurting, lonely, scared or going through tough times. What concerns you concerns Jesus. Jesus is sure to come to your rescue at the appointed time.

When Jesus saved you, He did not redeem your soul and forget about the rest of your life. Jesus has redeemed you in every area of your life. While COVID-19 still presents us with many uncertainties, Christians are eternally secure in Christ (John 3:16). Hebrews 7:25 says Jesus saves to the uttermost. The word “save” used in this verse has several definitions. It means to rescue, deliver, protect, heal, make whole, restore to health, give eternal life, bring safely through. These definitions are indicative of the all-encompassing nature of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Christ’s salvific work provides for every area of our lives; spiritual, physical, relational, and financial.

Jesus is more than able to handle whatever breaks out in your life.  The going may get rough, but with Christ as your Savior, you are guaranteed safe passage through your now. God is faithful to provide, maybe not in the way or timing you prefer, but He is sure to come to your rescue and provide just what you need, exactly when you need it. Your part is to trust and obey.

Remember that God has the power to deliver in every situation, even a pandemic. Stay strong and be safe.

Until next time…Be blessed!

Rev. Cynthia Jackson, Rhema Inspirations