9-11 AND COVID-19
As a young Christian, I realized God allowed things to happen to get my attention The quickest way to get my attention is an upset stomach. I hate nausea! My first response is to pray and ask God if He is trying to tell me something.
God disciplines those He loves so they grow in Him (Hebrews 12:4-11; Proverbs 3:12). Even if we are following Him, He allows things to prune us to be more fruitful (John 15:1-8). The events of 9-11 did that for a short time in our nation. For a few weeks church attendance increased, “God Bless America” was played frequently and many people turned to God for peace. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long.
Now our Sovereign God allowed COVID-19. Nationally, our response is different than it was September 11, 2001. There is no “God Bless America” but instead there is criticism, anger and governmental distrust. If God is allowing this to get our attention it hasn’t happened turned our hearts towards Him for help.
God used the plagues in Egypt to motivate the Egyptians to obey Him and allow the Jews to leave (Exodus 9:8-11). He also wanted the Jews to give up their homes and go to a new homeland. During the Tribulation, God will send many terrible plagues so unbelievers obey Him and repent (Revelation 9:15-19). He used those plagues to get the people’s attention so they turn to Him. As the world and often God’s people too, drift from Him, let’s make sure He gets our attention as we humble draw and ourselves closer to Him.
After the Jews left Egypt, they complained and did not appreciate God’s provision. Manna wasn’t enough. They wanted food like in Egypt. To teach them to be grateful, God sent a plague that killed many of them (Numbers 11:31-33). Perhaps today we need to learn to be grateful for all the many wonderful blessings God has given us in this time and place. Are you grateful for even in this Covid situation?
The heart of God expressed in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is still the way He responds to those who repent: “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
I am writing this to myself and God’s people first and foremost (1 Peter 4:17). I need to be grateful and do what is right to set an example to unbelievers. We can only control our response to life’s circumstance, not others. Is God using this to get your attention? What is your response?
Psalm 19:12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
Psalm 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
Is God trying to get your attention? What might He be telling you? What changes does He want you to make? Do you complain instead of being grateful for what you do have? Spend some time in prayer and fasting today and let God speak to you about these things.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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