Since the first reports of the outbreak of a new virus in Wuhan, less than four months ago, it has rapidly spread across China, the neighboring countries and, by now, has reached the entire world.
All of us know now that the novel coronavirus (Covid 19) may cause serious health problems, even death, in a certain number of cases.
In an attempt to slow down the expansion of this virus, the European Union, the United States, and all the affected countries are taking some drastic measures.
In these perplexing moments, I would like to recommend to the Adventist family across our territory that we all carefully follow all the instructions given by the governments, the local authorities and by our Church.
The quick and insidious spread of the Covid 19 has assumed pandemic proportions, accompanied by a growing and generalized concern and anxiety. This is especially true among those who, on account of their health conditions, are more vulnerable to the attack of this virus.
In fact, it would be foolishness to deny that there are real reasons for all of us to be concerned. Yet, in such moments like this, I would like to encourage each and every one of us to turn our eyes upon our God, who is our loving Father, Friend and Saviour. He is truly concerned about His children.
Jesus, His Son and our older brother, was constantly reminding His disciples and His contemporaries about His and our Father’s loving care and trustfulness: “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:28-31 (NKJV)
After we have done our best to follow all the instructions on how to proceed regarding this kind of disease, let us lift our eyes to God and put our confidence in Him.
Instead of concentrating our thoughts on the dangers and threats that we might be confronted with, let us fix our eyes on the promises of our loving Father. Fear and concerns don’t help us solve any problem. On the contrary, they depress and paralyze us, negatively affecting our whole body, including our immune system. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength”. Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)
Remember that God has loved us with such a great love that he sent His only Son to die for us. He loves us with a greater love than we have for our own children.
He invites us to go to Him with all our anxieties and burdens (Mat. 11:28-30). He is eager to hear all our concerns and requests and transform them in abundant blessings. (Luke 11:9-13; John 14:13,14; 15:7,16; 16:23,24; Mat. 6:25-34)
This is a time in which most of us stay at home avoiding, as much as possible, contact with other persons. This is an excellent opportunity for us to consecrate more time for a deeper and meaningful relationship with God – through prayer, praise, Bible reading, and meditation.
As our trust and confidence in God grows, our entire being will greatly benefit from this invaluable investment. As our faith grows, more and more serenity and peace will fill our hearts. We will get to know God in a more personal and intimate manner.
When the current pandemic wave is over, we will realize that this challenging experience has led us to a closer, loving relationship with our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Hope, faith, and the assurance of being loved and cared for by God have a tremendous power to help us overcome the most strenuous challenges and to build a stronger relationship with Him.
“If God is for us who can be against us?”
