Its still so hard for me to wrap my mind around the reality that COVID-19 has flipped our world upside down. Living in California, we are watching the restrictions on daily life grow tighter and tighter. It seems unreal, like a scary movie.
We are undoubtedly witnessing history in the making. Years from now, scholars and historians will analyze the effects of COVID-19 on our society, economy, mental health, physical health, and our spirituality. In many ways, the world has been caught by surprise.
But God most certainly has not.
Even in the midst of chaos, make no mistake, God is at work. His plans will not be thwarted and his people will not be overcome.
Here are 4 signs God is at work in the chaos of COVID-19.
History has shown that people are more open to religion during times of crisis and instability. We can all empathize and relate to lost and confused hearts looking for answers. Its become clear for all of us that regardless of how much we plan, strategize, and think ahead, we cant control what happens to us and around us.
People are searching for hope in the midst of chaos. And studies show part of that search includes religion. It might seem like bad timing for people to be more open to the gospel, because churches are closed. But the opposite couldnt be more true.
Though we dont understand it, Gods timing is perfect.
We live during a time when people are less likely to walk into a church because of how foreign and intimidating it might feel. But that isnt stopping us from sharing the gospel.
As believers in Jesus, we have an opportunity to minister and share the truth of Jesus like never before. God is on the move and we can be part of the work he is doing. We are all witnessing a pandemic, so we are all standing on common ground. There is an opportunity to share with friends and family why you arent paralyzed by fear.
Let your peace be a testimony to the truth of Jesus. This is a time when more people are open to hear about Jesus and its time for believers in Jesus to start sharing.
Photo Credit: GettyImages/Wavebreakmedia
Its quite astonishing how connected people are even when they are unable to see one another in-person. God is at work drawing people together during a time of crisis.
Say what you will about technology, but it has been a true benefit for families, friends, and churches to stay connected during a time of social distancing. Our innate need to stay in community has become apparent and people are longing to stay connected. People are finding ways to be intentional in their communication through Zoom calls, FaceTime, and other creative ways. Even social media is being used to encourage one another.
In this time of social distancing we are being reminded that we were never meant to live in isolation. Part of being created in the image of God is being designed for community. God even said, man not was not meant to be alone. Its not the way he designed humanity.
Through this pandemic, it has become clear that we were not meant to live in isolation. We are all being reminded of something we have always known to be true. God is at work through the chaos of the coronavirus as the whole of humanity is stepping further into community, as we were designed.
The world has slowed down in a way weve never seen before. The mandate to shelter-in-place is forcing people to pause and rest. Its not a pace of life our society is used to living. And its not one that comes easy. But its a life God has called us to.
God even modeled rest for us, And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done (Genesis 2:7). This model of rest from work is something we should follow and likely, not something many of us are very good at.
The call to rest is really a call to trust God.
Many of us become busy striving, achieving, and succeeding. Right now, we are very limited in what we can do. You might even feel as if youve lost control. Thats a very natural response in these unprecedented times. But rest isnt only good for our physical health. Its good for our spiritual and emotional health, too.
To step into the rest God called us to is to actively let go of control and to put it into Gods hands. In this season, you and I are being forced to slow down and rest. Rest is a good thing and yet, its so hard for us to make it a priority. To create space in your life for rest is a way God restores you and revitalizes you. God is moving through this time to remind us about the goodness of rest in our lives.
Photo Credit: GettyImages
It doesnt matter who you are, COVID-19 is affecting everyone in one way or another. For followers of Jesus, questions of Gods sovereignty and provision are natural. Its in times like these, when your faith is challenged, that you are more likely to grow in your faith.
Though this is not a time when the church is being persecuted, it is a time when believers are collectively facing hardship. The church has a long history of growing during times of trials and difficulty.
James the brother of Jesus, said it this way, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:3-4).
Though Christians shouldnt go looking for difficult situations, we should view them as opportunities to grow our faith. Its in moments like these that we begin to wrestle with the promises of God and we undoubtedly find him to be faithful. The relief might not come when you want it and it might look different than what you thought, but God is always true to his promises.
Its in times of hardship that we see Gods glory on full display. When human efforts fail and you have done all you can do, God moves in ways only he can. Its out of this place your faith will grow deeper, stronger, and wider.
There is no doubt that we are all living in difficult times that are directly affecting us as individuals. But God has not stopped working. He is not silent or passive. He is on the move. He is working in the hearts and faith of his people.
It may be difficult to see the hand of God during this time. But rest assured that God is at work during the COVID-19 crisis. He is working all things for his glory and for the good of those who love him.
Photo Credit: GettyImages/Ig0rZh
Tamara Chamberlain and her husband Dale are authors and speakers who are passionate about loving and serving Jesus together. They love having conversations and creating community around the abundant life that Jesus promised us. You can connect with Dale and Tamara at herandhymn.com.
Continued here:
4 Signs God Is at Work in the Chaos of COVID-19 - Crosswalk.com
- Nicolas Cage is set to take on another horror movie, this time about Jesus? - Gamesradar - May 9th, 2024
- Horror Tips from Director Jeff Wadlow and the Set of 'Imaginary' - No Film School - May 9th, 2024
- Upcoming horror movie amps up its marketing by having crazed killers pop up all over the nation - Gamesradar - May 9th, 2024
- This Upcoming Horror Movie Is The Best Chance Of 2024 Beating Five Night's At Freddy's Box Office - Screen Rant - May 9th, 2024
- Abigail Lands on Digital Platforms 2 Weeks After Theater Release: How to Stream the Horror Movie Online - Billboard - May 9th, 2024
- Stephen King Praises 'Scary' and 'Gross' Horror Movie With Near-Perfect Reviews - CBR - May 9th, 2024
- 'Mind Body Spirit' Review: A Horror Movie That Puts a Yoga Twist on 'Hereditary' - Collider - May 9th, 2024
- Nicolas Cage Is Taking on a New Horror Movie of Biblical Proportions - Collider - May 9th, 2024
- Daylight horror: 12 movies that are still scary with the lights on - The A.V. Club - May 9th, 2024
- How To Watch Tarot: Is the Horror Movie Streaming or in Theaters? - TheWrap - May 9th, 2024
- Mind Body Spirit Review: A Found Footage Horror Film With Something To Say About The Influencer Age - Screen Rant - May 9th, 2024
- This Unexpectedly Great Horror Movie Reboot With 80% On Rotten Tomatoes Is Now Streaming & I Wish I Saw It In ... - Screen Rant - May 9th, 2024
- The horror movie so realistic its director was arrested for murder - JOE.ie - May 9th, 2024
- 'Tarot' Scares Up a Bleak Weekend at the Global Box Office - Collider - May 9th, 2024
- Insane 2024 horror movie with a twist hits 95% on Rotten Tomatoes - Dexerto - May 9th, 2024
- 10 of the Most Disturbing 2024 Horror Movies You (Probably) Haven't Heard Of - Dread Central - May 9th, 2024
- EXPOSURE: This Short Film Will Make You Want To Throw Your Security Cameras In A Dumpster - FANGORIA - May 9th, 2024
- 5 New Horror Movies Releasing This Week Including 'Abigail' at Home - Bloody Disgusting - May 9th, 2024
- The Best Horror Movies Streaming This Month Will Make Your Skin Crawl (May 2024) - SlashFilm - May 9th, 2024
- This Surreal Horror Movie on Max Is One of the Most Influential Films Ever - Collider - May 9th, 2024
- The 30 best classic horror movies of all time - Entertainment Weekly News - March 16th, 2024
- The 23rd Spring, Is Jeepers Creepers Coming Back To Michigan? - 102.5/104.9 The Block - March 16th, 2024
- Winnie The Pooh Horror Movie Dominates The Razzie Awards - 106.3 The Groove - March 16th, 2024
- This Underrated Blumhouse Horror Movie Is Unlike Any Other Creature Feature - Collider - March 16th, 2024
- 13 Horror Movies Where Everyone Dies by the End - MovieWeb - March 8th, 2024
- Willy Wonka Experience Villain The Unknown Gets Its Own Horror Movie - TMZ - March 8th, 2024
- The 13 Scariest Horror Movies Streaming on Peacock: Alien, Leprechaun, The Exorcist: Believer and More - Syfy - March 8th, 2024
- Every Horror Movie Releasing in March 2024 - MovieWeb - March 8th, 2024
- 10 Scariest Movies That Have Won Oscars - Collider - March 8th, 2024
- The 10 Best New Horror Movies To Watch in March 2024 - Collider - March 8th, 2024
- Horror Movie Based on Viral Willy Wonka Experience Coming Soon - Bloody Disgusting - March 8th, 2024
- Where To Watch Imaginary: Showtimes & Streaming Status - Screen Rant - March 8th, 2024
- Immaculate: Eveything You Need to Know About Sydney Sweeney's Upcoming Horror Movie That Will Give You ... - FandomWire - March 8th, 2024
- The 20 best horror movies on Peacock - Entertainment Weekly News - March 8th, 2024
- Horror Movie Based on the Willy Wonka Experience Villain, The Unknown, Now in the Works - MovieWeb - March 8th, 2024
- Melissa Barrera's Scream 7 Replacement Actually Sounds Better Than Fighting Ghostface Again - Screen Rant - March 8th, 2024
- 'Shaitaan' Movie 2024 Filming Locations: Shooting Spots Of The Horror Flick - TRAVEL + LEISURE INDIA - March 8th, 2024
- The Horror Movie Franchise With the Most Sequels Ever Is One You've Never Heard of - Collider - March 8th, 2024
- Jimmy Fallon asked people to ruin a horror movie by adding a single word to its title - Upworthy - March 8th, 2024
- The Absolute Best Horror Movies on Hulu - CNET - March 8th, 2024
- Willy Wonka Experience creepy character 'The Unknown' handed role in new horror movie - The Mirror - March 8th, 2024
- The Best Sea Monster Movies, Ranked - Screen Rant - February 28th, 2024
- The Borderlands Movie's Scary Behind The Scenes Drama That Has Us Worried - Screen Rant - February 28th, 2024
- Netflix Just Quietly Added the Best Holiday Thriller of the Decade - Inverse - February 28th, 2024
- The 20 best scary movies streaming right now - Entertainment Weekly News - February 19th, 2024
- Best Horror Movies of 2024 Ranked - New Scary Movies to Watch - Rotten Tomatoes - February 19th, 2024
- 'Only Murders in the Building' Adds Molly Shannon to Season 4 Cast - Yahoo Eurosport UK - February 19th, 2024
- Why Lindsay Lohan Refused to Kiss Charlie Sheen in "Scary Movie 5" - Best Life - February 19th, 2024
- 15 Best Scary Movies To Stream - Screen Rant - February 11th, 2024
- Eight Skin-Crawling Scary Films That Don't Have Any Jump Scares In Them - Digg - February 11th, 2024
- David Cronenberg names some of the scariest movies ever - Far Out Magazine - February 11th, 2024
- 12 Horror Movies That Will Give You the Biggest Jump Scares - Collider - February 3rd, 2024
- TAROT's Trailer Brings the Iconic Cards to Life and Things Get Weird - Nerdist - February 3rd, 2024
- Review: Baghead - Is the Movie as Scary as it Looks? - Blazing Minds - February 3rd, 2024
- Natasha Lyonne Says James Woods Hit On Her As A Teenager While Filming Scary Movie 2 - 106.3 The Groove - February 3rd, 2024
- The Witcher's Freya Allan explains the challenges of filming her first horror movie Baghead: "You have to surrender ... - Gamesradar - January 26th, 2024
- The 5 Best Uses of Popcorn in Scary Movies - Dread Central - January 26th, 2024
- 5 Horror Films That Transformed The Genre - Study Finds - January 26th, 2024
- Kristen Stewart Wants to Star in Another Horror Movie in the Future - ComingSoon.net - January 26th, 2024
- Best Home Invasion Movies of All Time, Ranked - MovieWeb - January 26th, 2024
- Presence Review: Steven Soderbergh Tells a Ghost Story from the Ghosts POV. It Is Scary? Not Quite. But the Family Demons Lure You In - Variety - January 26th, 2024
- 55 best horror movies that are actually good and terrifying - Digital Spy - January 18th, 2024
- She is a Real Housewife, was in a scary movie franchise, is pals with Bethenny Frankel, has a Hilton connectio - Daily Mail - January 18th, 2024
- The Scream cast talk about the legacy of Scary Movie - Popverse - January 9th, 2024
- The 20 Best Horror Movies on Netflix: January 2024 - Vulture - January 9th, 2024
- Scream cast reveals their favorite scary movies - Popverse - January 9th, 2024
- Horror fanatics are 'desperate' to watch the first scary movie of the year Night Swim after trailer leaves the - Daily Mail - January 9th, 2024
- 20 Scariest Horror Movies That Are Too Disturbing to Re-Watch - Collider - January 1st, 2024
- Raging Grace review politicised critique of imperialism in horror movie form - The Guardian - January 1st, 2024
- 15 Scariest Horror Movies of All Time, According to Rotten Tomatoes - MovieWeb - January 1st, 2024
- The 19 Best Horror Films of 2023 Best Life - Best Life - January 1st, 2024
- The Best Horror Movies of 2021, Ranked by Tomatometer - Rotten Tomatoes - December 23rd, 2023
- This Is What Takes 'The Descent' From Scary to Terrifying - Collider - December 23rd, 2023
- 15 Best Horror Movies Of 2023 - Screen Rant - December 23rd, 2023
- 25 Best Horror Movies Created in the Last 5 Years - CBR - Comic Book Resources - December 12th, 2023
- 25 horror movies that were based on true stories - Yardbarker - December 12th, 2023
- The 30 best horror movies of all time - Gamesradar - December 12th, 2023
- Scary Movies In Theaters Now (2023/12/06)- Tickets to Movies in Theaters, Broadway Shows, London Theatre & More - Hollywood.com - December 12th, 2023
- What Is the Highest Grossing Horror Movie of All Time? - Collider - December 12th, 2023
- The 27 Best Horror Films of 2023 - MarieClaire.com - December 12th, 2023
Reviewed and Recommended by Erik Baquero