SATAN AND COVID-19
When something bad happens, some people want to know whose fault it is and why it is happening. Some Christians are asking the same question about Covid-19. Is this from Satan? Is this all made up by the government? Is God bringing judgment on the world? Or is it just a fluke of nature? I must admit I wonder about those things myself – or I wouldn’t be writing this blog!
The Covid-19 crisis could be from Satan, who is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). In Job we see Satan was responsible for Job’s skin disease and other calamities to his family (Job 1-2). Satan loves to murder, destroy (John 8:44), and promote fear. But even if Satan intends it for evil, God will use it for good (Genesis 50:20).
Additionally, Covid could be from God who used plagues as a means of discipline or punishment (Exodus 11:1; 32:35; Leviticus 26:25; 2 Samuel 24:10-17; Jeremiah 21:7; Revelation 6-20). Certainly, the rampant immorality, persecution of God’s people, killing of babies and genocide of cultural groups are all reasons enough for Him to act. Is Covid a warning, like many believe 9-11 was? Could it be part of the early birth pangs predicted before Jesus’ return (Matthew 24:8)? Or is it a natural consequence of the fall and brokenness of nature since the Garden of Eden.
Whatever the reason, God uses all things to accomplish His purposes. (Amos 4:10). If God is sovereign then everything comes back to Him. Even what Satan does is under God’s ultimate authority (1 John 4:4; Job 1-2). So, which is it? I don’t know, and I don’t think we can know.
I can say with confidence Satan loves to use times like these to bring about fear and death. Deaths from suicide and drug overdoses are increasing, as well as those that have already died from the virus. He can ignite political unrest and racial tensions. Economic problems are in his toolbox too. He desires us to be a godless country. Satan will take advantage of anything he can and uses it for his purpose. But God is ultimately in total control (Lamentations 3:37-39; Psalm 115:3; 135:6)
Perhaps if we knew just what God has planned in all this it would help us better adjust and trust. But we don’t know. Trusting in a sovereign God who loves us and wants our best is our solution no matter the cause. He promises to care for us as He does for the sparrows (Matthew 19:29-31). So, whatever is going on, God is still in control and always will be. We are safe in the loving care of our Father Who loves us so much He sent His only Son from heaven to die on the cross for us. We are in good hands (Psalm 30:4).
Colossians 1:16–17 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”