God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Where do you put your trust? Who do you cry out to when you’re in danger or scared? Who do you wait patiently and confidently for to rescue you in perfect timing? Who can do this but God, Himself?
In this article, I want to discuss the providence of God. Especially at the time of this writing while in the midst of the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic, many people are searching for answers and looking for protection. The only solid answer I can give at this time is to put your trust in God, and Him alone.
Many people will abandon God in times like pandemics and devastating natural disasters because they feel that God has abandoned them. But He hasn’t. The truth is, there’s more to life than what we’re currently experiencing. There’s eternal life. And this short time on earth can’t be compared to eternity. But it’s in the here and now that we all live and it’s the current events that we’re all facing that seem the most real. And because of this, we’re fearful and discouraged.
Related: How to be happy when life is hard?
I want to use this article to encourage you to look past the current events and to search for hope. For thousands of years, there’s been hardships, and plagues, and famines, and pestilences, and natural disasters, and uncertainty. However, from the beginning, God’s been saying the same thing; “Trust in Me and do good” (Psalms 37:3).
Don't Let the devil Defeat You - learn to combat the tactics of the devil through Christ to be better equipped in spiritual battle.
The best thing to do in difficult times is to trust God and be available for His service. Be an encouragement to others instead of spreading fear. And, fear not yourselves, for fear comes only from Satan, the devil.
Table of Contents
The reality of life is that it’s not guaranteed
What we’re seeing with this virus outbreak is a sobering reminder that long life on earth isn’t promised. Sadly, there are many people perishing from this deadly virus, and we’re without a cure at the moment. This virus has no favorites, people who were just out doing their normal daily thing are fighting for, and possibly, losing their lives.
There’s nothing I can say to help or console those who’ve lost loved ones or are fighting for their lives. What I can say is that I believe there is a God who has a plan for your future either way, and as long as you have breath in your lungs, it’s not too late. The important thing about this message, and many others from other speakers and preachers is, get to know God and line yourself up to live with Him for your eternal future.
The message of Christ is just that – to gain Salvation and escape eternal death. Sadly, there are many people who don’t have a relationship with Jesus. When they’re taken abruptly from their life on earth, they miss any further opportunity to get right with God. Now is the time, folks. Now is the time to come to know who Jesus is and to invite Him into your life.
Doesn’t the thought of knowing that you’re right with God and have Him on your side through the remaining days on this uncertain earth bring you comfort?
This is where the trust and faith must come in. The bible is the tool that will bring knowledge and understanding to your life. I can write all day about my relationship with Jesus, but until you experience your own relationship with Him, you won’t know the fullness of what I’m talking about.
I hope you’ll discover, or rediscover, a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus today. Your life here on earth isn’t guaranteed, but accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior does guarantee that you’ll have an amazing future in eternity; one that lasts forever; one that is without pain and sorrow and fear; one that can’t even be imagined by our limited minds.
12 Weeks in Colorado is a fun to read Christian fiction novel about a group of friends and overcoming real life issues.
Once you know God, nothing can separate you from Him
Look to God as a solid rock on which you can stand firmly, even in uncertainty. Seek Him first and trust Him. Spend your time getting to know Him. Understand that placing your trust in the providence of God will not only bring you comfort in the current times, but it will also open the doors to eternity in Heaven with God, which nothing can take from you.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I can only find peace in seeking God each day. Especially when current times and the future is uncertain, I know that I can sit quietly with God anywhere I am and spill my heart out to Him, and I know He hears me. He doesn’t necessarily answer all my prayers as I might expect or desire, but He does comfort and console me. He gives me peace in my life during the storms that I face. I know He goes with me through the storms.
If you’re feeling despair or hopelessness right now, just know that you can turn to God. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, you can call out to God and talk to Him. He is omnipresent, which means He’s already wherever you are. You can tell Him of your fears; you can tell Him of your concerns; you can find Salvation in Jesus Christ by asking Him to be your Lord and Savior. By accepting Christ into your life, you get the Holy Spirit, who will be with you forever to comfort you, give you discernment and help you. This is the only certain thing in this life of uncertainty.
Related: 5 verses to remind you that God is with you
Believe it or not, you can be happy in troubling times
Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
When you get the peace of God in your heart, the troubling feeling goes away. Fear dissolves and rest sets in. If I hadn’t experienced this many times myself, I wouldn’t say it’s true. But I have, and because of this, I do believe it to be true.
Of course, I too, can think about negative things or read troubling stories or watch the news and get myself worked up, but this only escalates the situation. I’ve learned that putting my focus onto God and spending my time reading the bible is far more helpful and calming than trying to find answers anywhere else.
It might be hard to believe, but praising God for all the good you have in your life helps tremendously. Worshiping God pleases Him and draws you closer to Him. This is how there are people living in various difficult situations all throughout the world who seem to be happy and without fear and anxiety.
It’s important to note, the biggest tactic of the devil is fear. If he can scare you, he will. He knows that fear causes people to doubt. It causes people to think of what might go wrong, and instead of trusting that God can provide and protect, they instead get too caught up in worry. Nothing good ever comes from worry. Fear and worry and stress and anxiety will only break you down and weaken you.
So, try trusting God. If you start getting a thought or feeling of fear, spend some time talking to God. Start thanking Him for the family you have, your health, whatever possessions you have, your shelter, your food, your clothes, and virtually anything that comes to mind. As you do this, the fearful thoughts or feelings will dissolve and be replaced by God’s peace that passes understanding.
Shift your focus to God during difficulties and He will help you
So many people try to tackle big problems alone, apart from God. Many don’t believe that He’s any part of the solution, so they don’t consult with Him or trust Him. It’s like they say, “I know God CAN help me, but right now I have to take care of this alone.” God knows every struggle you’ll ever face in life. He knows every adversity you’ll ever face, and guess what? He has the solution, too.
Above, I mentioned praising God in the storms and difficulties of life. This is because there often isn’t an obvious solution to our big problems, but when you trust God and turn to Him in praise and worship, He is motivated to move in your life. People who have trusted God in difficult or impossible situations have found unlikely and inexpiable victories many times.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Even for a time like this, where there is a worldwide pandemic happening, God is far more necessary than some might believe. He will provide help. For some, He’ll give them comfort and rest; for some, He’ll save them from death and recover them quickly; for some, He’ll give strength to encourage others to press on.
There’s no saying how this situation will play out, but I do know that there are many people facing uncertainty. However, that is why I’m trying to encourage you now to join with God and spend your days getting to know Him. Read the bible; watch sermons online; read Christian books that aim to help you deepen your understanding of Him.
Seeking God is the most productive thing you can do when you can’t do anything else. It might seem like you’re not accomplishing anything, but you are. As you build your relationship with Jesus, you start to align yourself to the Will of God. That’s when the good stuff happens.
God has a plan for you, whether you believe that or not. But it’s when you’re walking in stride with Him that this plan can start to unfold. Instead of focusing on uncertain events, spend your time building a relationship with Jesus and see where that takes you. You will likely be very surprised what God will do with you when you’re willing.
Conclusion
What is certain is that there will be times of uncertainty. There will be times where nothing makes any sense and it seems like there’s no solutions. But I want to assure you that even in hopeless times, you can find hope in Jesus.
Instead of living in fear and worry, strive to get to know Jesus and where you fit in. Spend your time building a relationship with Him by reading the bible daily, praying throughout each day, praising and worshiping Him, and by being obedient to what He puts on your heart. In doing this, you’ll develop a solid foundation below your feet, even when life seems shaky at best.
When you understand that this life is just the beginning, you’ll see the importance of spending your time preparing for eternity with God, and not just for the current moment.
I encourage you to reach out to God. Talk to Him about anything and everything. Ask Him to give you peace and rest and encouragement. Ask Him to show you what you can do to help the situation. As you do this, you’ll see that God is a solid rock on which you can build on and One that you can trust.
If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can follow this link (Prayer for Salvation) to find out how. Also, if you need prayer for your life or your family, feel free to fill out a private prayer request in the provided prayer box in this article. My wife and I would love to pray for you.
Take care!