Who would have thought that the whole world would plunge into a crisis because of a virus?
However we assess the virus’s danger and the measures taken, we must comply with the authorities’ orders—in the past as much as in future crises. But there is one thing we do not want to lose sight of: the devil always intends to harm the people of God. And for that he also uses times of crisis.
I am thinking of two dangers:
1. Since people are differently inclined—some are fearful, others courageous—and the children of God also have different measures of faith, conflicts can arise in the current situation. Some argue that we should submit to the governing authorities (cf. Romans 13:1); others counter that we should obey God rather than men (cf. Acts 5:29). Therefore, we should pursue peace and meet one another with love and consideration. We do not want to give the devil a point of attack he can use to drive us apart (inwardly).
2. When believers come under pressure, they are in danger of giving up things that God has given them. Here we need courage so we do not let spiritual blessings be stolen from us. Think of times of crisis among the people of Israel. How often enemies came and oppressed the people, leaving them impoverished! Yet Israelites always fought for their land. Shammah, for example, positioned himself in the lentil field and defended it when the Philistines attacked, and the people of Israel had fled in fear (cf. 2 Samuel 23:11–12). Yes, it was only a field of lentils—nothing of high value—but it was land God had given to His people, and its yield helped preserve them. How God was honored through this courage of faith!
Heroes of faith from past crises can encourage us so that, spiritually speaking, we do not get through the current crisis as losers—but as victors. If we rely on the living and almighty God, we will experience that He always has a way for us and also brings deliverance.
A crisis can be an opportunity. Should we have more free time than usual, we may use it to
• read or study the Bible thoroughly,
• spend more time in prayer,
• read the articles in this issue,
• distribute the Corona flyer (see back page), also via electronic media if we are no longer allowed to go out into the street,
• and so on
May the Lord encourage us!
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