Over the course of several weeks, life as we know it has changed drastically. When the outbreak of the Coronavirus became prevalent in the social media, I would venture to say that most people casually took note of the news reports but there seemed to be no real cause for concern. Americans took it very lightly for the most part because of the outbreak being in China, some mistakenly felt the United Stated would not be affected and if we were, it would be rare with cases few and far between. Over the past several weeks our vocabulary has been expanded to words heretofore had been “foreign” to us. Words such as Coronavirus, COVID-19, social distancing, shelter-in, self-isolating, etc. have become common. For the most part we had not had any need to use those words in our everyday language, and certainly did not recognize their meaning to us personally. However, in a matter of days, these words are on the lips of everyone you encounter. The baffling part of all of this is that we STILL know very little about this menace to society. Health and government officials are making efforts to keep us informed and updated concerning the latest statistics, but in actuality we do not know enough about this “demon” that is threatening the lives of humanity to even fight it. We have no idea how long this attack will last, nor the damage and casualties the world will incur in the process.

A thought provoking quote from the book entitled The Art of War authored by Sun Tzu states this: “The Art of War is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected”. This book focuses on the necessity of not only knowing your enemy but studying the methodology and characteristics. Unfortunately, this disease is completely unknown to us! So, we have now been forced into a crisis that we do not know anything about and are unprepared to combat. We can liken it to being in a fight where you are blindfolded yet attempting to defeat your opponent.

WHAT WE KNOW…We know our God is sovereign and that He reigns supreme. We have the assurance that He is never out of control, and nothing happens that catches Him off guard. There is a purpose for all of this, and that purpose is not only for us individually, but it is for all mankind. I am sure it grieves the heart of God to allow such drastic measures to get the attention of those whom He created and loves. It is His undying love that gives everyone the opportunity to receive His love. When we live a life according to the principles in His Word the ultimate result is life abundant here on earth, and in the permanent residence He has prepared for us called Heaven.

I close with scriptures from the infallible Word of God. Word that we can stand on, that will give us hope, and substantiate our faith.

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is
their stronghold in time of trouble”. Psalm 37: 39

“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares
for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1: 7

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32: 7

“Then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your
tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to
guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91: 10, 11

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him,
and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with
my song will I praise him. Psalm 28: 7

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is
my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of
my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18: 2

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!
I have overcome the world.” St. John 16: 33

Source: First Lady Denise