Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

What Is God Doing In The Pandemic?

ISAIAH 55:8–9 – For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

THEME OF THE DAY. WHAT IS GOD DOING IN THE PANDEMIC? The answer to the theme of today’s nugget demands we go slow answering it. What I mean by slow is not to be so quick to think we have the mind of God in what is happening. Cling to the scripture of the day when tempted to discern the what and how of God working in His world through this pandemic. Remember He is God, and for us to mindlessly presume we know what He is doing may be dangerously close to blasphemy. However, that doesn’t mean we are clueless concerning His ways of working in the world, and particularly, in His people. In fact, when it comes to God’s people, those in His Son the Lord Jesus, there are two answers we may boldly announce with 100% confidence of being correct and lined up with God’s ways in our lives. These answers are not only right during the pandemic, but apply in all our circumstances, situations, events, and trials in life. It is found in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans in two places. . .

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified (Romans 8:28-30).

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen (Romans 11:36).

So, what is God doing in the lives of His children during this pandemic? First, He is making us like His Son, the Lord Jesus, in the development of His character – The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). And He is seeking to glorify Himself through His people’s attitudes, actions, and speech – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

How are we responding to God’s work in our lives? By this pandemic, the busyness of external distractions and a way too full social life have been brought to a screeching halt. We are spending a lot more time around those closest to us, our families and nearest friends. If a written report was provided as to how much of the qualities found in the Lord Jesus’ character appeared in our lives, what would we read? I hope it would be a lengthy report describing our attitudes, actions, and speech reflecting the Fruit of the Spirit. Remember, this is the chief work in the believer’s life. Nothing is of greater importance.

As for the second work of God being done in His people during this pandemic, it is answered by the first work. If we are growing in the grace, knowledge, and likeness to the Lord Jesus, then God is being glorified. Well, it is time to ask, “Is He? Is His glory being revealed and exalted by our increasing likeness to Jesus?”

God is at work in this pandemic. No question about that. The real question to be asked . . . Is He working in us to bring glory to Himself by our conforming to the image of His Son? Think about it for a while.

PRAYER: “Father, help me trust You in all the circumstances surrounding my life knowing You are always good.”

QUOTE: “A most important lesson to learn in this pandemic is submission to God; a submission not needing answers”