It’s Time To Fight
I have to confess that when first hearing about the Coronavirus, I was a bit presumptuous. I felt like it was no big deal because it was somewhere else and someone else’s problem. Last week it became everyone’s problem as it reached multiple countries around the world. I was stunned to learn of the vast spread of the virus. I was also troubled to know just how dangerous a simple virus (the common cold on steroids I’m told) can be.
We now have a very different fight on our hands. As a nation and as human beings, we need to clearly see the fight that is in front of us.
I was reading in the first chapter of Judges and the people of Israel still had fighting to do in order to possess the land given them by the Lord. Joshua was a strong leader and upon his death there was a bit of pause, and maybe even confusion over what to do next. So the people did what they had seen Joshua and Moses do – they asked the Lord for guidance and help. Check this out….
1After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Which tribe should go first to attack the Canaanites?”
2 The Lord answered, “Judah, for I have given them victory over the land.”
3 The men of Judah said to their relatives from the tribe of Simeon, “Join with us to fight against the Canaanites living in the territory allotted to us. Then we will help you conquer your territory.” So the men of Simeon went with Judah. (Judges 1:1-3 NLT)
I believe we have a fight on our hands and it’s really close to home now. I think that our lives are going to be affected by this virus for a long time. The latest information from the CDC just last night tells me that we are just getting started in this containment fight of this virus.
I had lunch with my parents and my in-laws yesterday and I realize just how precious they are to our family. I want to protect them and keep them healthy no matter what. I have so many people who fit in the category of vulnerable because of health issues as well. I believe that this is a fight that requires thought and action to be vigilant, positive and proactive. I believe that we can live with hope and assurance that the Lord will use this time of shake-up for His glory. I don’t know all that we will learn from this crisis, but I do believe that the Lord wasn’t caught off guard with it.
Years later from this time of Joshua’s death, another strong leader and king penned some amazing words that continue to give hope to me today. Check this out…
1 I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!
3 He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.
5 The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
6 The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.
7 The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever. (Psalm 121:1-8 NLT)
Things in our world are going to be different from now on. I think there are everyday things that will change from now on. This is not a fight where I’m asked to grab a gun and fight. It’s a battle where I’m asked to retreat and keep my distance from crowds and practice good hygiene in order to prevent the spread of his invisible virus.
I’m reminded to lean into the Rock of Ages as I journey through this crisis with family, friends, co-workers, strangers….human beings. I don’t always understand why things happen as they do. I just lean into the One Who can help me navigate anything even when I don’t understand why or how.
Pressing On!
Dwayne