Are we a nation of wimps or what?
It's as if we assumed our technology and enlightened thinking guaranteed our society wouldn't have–shouldn't have–big challenges that dodge easy solution.
That's understandable, I suppose, since for quite some time now, we've been strutting around feeling proud of all we have achieved. On our own.
This Corona virus, also known as Covid-19, has knocked us off our perch and brought us down to reality with a deafening thud.
Here's the shocker: As amazing as we may be, we are not in control.
This is not the first and it won't be the last time disease and disaster show up out of nowhere. We live in a sinful world, remember?
For example, in 1347-1352 the Bubonic Plague, a.k.a., Black Death, ravaged Europe and killed 25 million people, which was 30% to 60% of the entire population.
No treatment existed. A person who contracted the Plague either lived or died.
It didn't stop there.
Step back into Wittenberg, Germany, in the year 1527
You are Martin Luther and the dreaded Plague once again is barreling toward your town.
There's nothing to do but wait. And read your Bible. And implore God to keep you and your loved ones safe and alive.
Luther was known for spending hours in prayer and reading his Bible. During this time he pored over texts like Psalm 46 and drew on it to write, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God."
Here are the first two verses:
"A Mighty Fortress is our God"
A mighty fortress is our God,
A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev'ry need
That hath us now o'ertaken.
The old evil foe
Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.
With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this?
Jesus Christ it is,
Of Sab-a-oth Lord,
And there's none other God;
He holds the field forever.
This hymn speaks to our fear and uncertainty, as well
After all, what can we do other than obey the Government directives that come out and try to stay healthy?
We Christians read our Bibles. We pray most earnestly that our loving Lord will watch over us and our loved ones.
Just as surely, we pray God's protection over our Nation and the world, and that he will keep medical personnel and caregivers safe.
And please, may we unite in prayer that God will guide all our leaders, whoever they are, in every level of authority.
Here are a few verses from Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. …
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:1-3, 11 ESV
Dear reader, I pray that you know the truth of these words and that you trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior.
And when fear wakes you in the night, call this verse to mind and be at peace:
"For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'" Isaiah 41:13 ESV
Despite the unknowns you and I can choose to place our hope–our certainty–in the LORD. Today. Tomorrow. And for eternity.
Trusting, too,
Lenore
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