by Rev Robert A Wendel
The Kingdom of God is within you. I will gather all the survivors. I will set them together like sheep in a fold. The Lord is at their head. “My People have been lost sheep. The Lord was the hope of their ancestors. (Luke 17:21, Micah 2:12-13, Jeremiah 50:5-6)
Across dozens of countries coping with the virus, people are acting unselfishly or accepting lifestyle changes required by state and national governments. Schools at all levels, holiday events and sporting contests have been cancelled. Since early spring, it has been a season of shared sacrifice and stay home time. The world has also witnessed a burst of good will.
People are giving up daily activities in favor of protecting the safety of their neighbors. Such acts and folks looking after their friends and co-workers are a form of love which sends a clear message of healing to those struck by the virus or anyone afraid of it. The most often used catch-phrase of these days is “We’re all in this together!”
Scripture tells us “Do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded.” (Hebrews 10:35). No matter where we are in life, good things will outweigh the bad. Still, by June over 100,000 Americans have died by contracting the virus.
When doubt has surfaced in my thinking, I am reminded of a verse from Isaiah, “Quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (30:15). Our confidence can be challenged. But we have whatever it takes to carry on, no matter what is happening in the world around us.
Bishop Tutu (1931) wrote “We humans can tolerate suffering, knowing that God can transform it and allow us to fulfill our role in His plan.”