Where is God in this pandemic?

One day, someone told me that Covid-19 pandemic is God’s wrath and a disgrace to humanity. I even read comments on facebook that the end of the world is near which adds up tension on today’s crisis.

This bothers me that made me contemplate on things.

Is God really condemning His people? Where is He in this pandemic?

Never in my life have I ever imagined to be born in such an era of pandemic that I only see in movies. When this virus first came out in December 2019, I was certain that it will be contained. I worried not and have never thought that this would become a global crisis. Soon enough, it became an outbreak. From epidemic to pandemic, Covid-19 became so serious that it has affected many and has claimed thousands of lives. Watching the news is depressing. Looking at how it has devastated the lives of many, causing divisions among people, anxieties in every heart, trembling fears of the unknown, and the suffering of those who have acquired the virus. It’s heart breaking. It’s inevitable to have the questions like, “When will it end? Would it even come to an end? What kind of life awaits after the quarantine?” All sorts of negativity came across my mind. Then for a moment, I reflected. I turned to Him with the heaviness of my heart.

“Lord, why did you allow these to happen?”—the very words spoken from my wondering heart.

Though filled with questions and confusions, I hold on to faith that God in His mighty power is in control.

It’s easy to blame God when something wrong is going on in life. It’s so easy to question Him when things don’t go my way. But I have come to ask myself, “What’s good in the situation?” Every day I’m confronted with sad news about the increasing number of Covid-19 patients, the increasing number of deaths, and the stories of people suffering and dying due to the scarcity of medical supplies. It’s as if focusing on what’s wrong in the situation becomes a habit.

“Lord, help me see the things I need to see and to understand the things I need to understand. Strengthen my faith in these trying times.”

With grace, I’ve come to realize that despite what’s going on, there were patients too, who recovered from the disease. Every day, many patients are recovering. There are selfless people in the medical field who never gave up in risking their lives to serve the sick and the dying. Seeing the frontliners also gives me hope as they selflessly fulfill their duties and commitment.

I don’t usually commend the politics but looking on how the government is trying its best to protect and govern the people is a glimpse of hope for the nation. They sure don’t have the perfect governance, but the aim to provide the people’s necessities in the midst of crisis is wisdom and a gracious act of leadership.

I also hear heart-warming stories of generosity from ordinary citizens, whom in their simple acts of kindness have fed the hungry and the homeless. We have scientists who never quit in their research to find cure to this disease. People are united in prayer—though from different religions, this pandemic has brought us into a common prayer. Mother earth is also healing itself as we are in quarantine. The nature is in the process of restoration.

No matter how dim the situation, there will always be hope. I realized that how we perceive things makes a lot different. If we choose to see it as a curse, then life will be a curse. But if we start looking at the brighter side of the circumstances, we will begin to realize that we are swimming in the ocean of blessings amidst crisis. Even how dark the road may be, there will always be something to be grateful for.

So going back to the question, “Where is God in this pandemic?”

We might not be seeing it, but God is doing a new thing. He is working in our hearts as He works on ways we cannot see. To say that this pandemic has no end is a lie. God in His love and mercy has come to our rescue. In the faces of our frontliners, He is ever present. In the isolation of Covid-19 patients, He is ever present. In our battle to this pandemic, He is ever present. God is omnipresent. He never abandons, He never will.

I firmly believe that Covid-19 is not a work of God. But God is too wise to allow this for something good to come out from it. God is not condemning us, nor threatening us with His wrath. Instead, He is the One who saves us from the destruction and in every selfish act of humanity. This is a renewal of faith—an awakening to each of us and a call to repentance.

As to when it will end, no one knows. But may we continue to hope that this, too, shall pass. Things will get better soon. Time will come when we are free to gather again and where we no longer need to wear masks and observe social distancing. But while we are still in this season, may we open our hearts on what this pandemic is trying to teach us because it is only then that this crisis will have more meaning.

Whoever you are, know that I am praying for you. The fear of the uncertainties could be overwhelming but remember what Jesus said,

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

—Isaiah 41:10—

May the peace of Christ Jesus be with you.

Hope and rest in His love.

Your friend and intercessor,

Kiana Leigh