COVID-19 Novel Encouragement Sample

IS GOD AGAINST US?

In the 14th century, the church in Europe confronted this question, as the ‘Black Death’ killed at least 30% of those around them. Believing the plague to be a sign of God’s judgment against their sin, they mostly answered “yes”. The 1st-century church in Rome probably felt this way too. Not because they experienced a specific plague, but because they faced “tribulation… distress… persecution… famine… nakedness… danger… [and] sword...” (Romans 8:35)

Is God against us?

In one part of his letter to them (Chapter 8), the apostle Paul answered this question. But with a shocking, resounding "no!":

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”– Romans 8:1 (Emphasis added)

Yes, God is against humanity generally for their sin. But, for those who trust in him, Jesus took the judgment instead. All the curse that should be on us, was absorbed by him on the cross. Instead of having to fear God's anger against us, we are now counted as His very own 'children' (8:14). Now we receive from him an undiluted blessing.

So if God is for us in Christ, why do bad things keep happening to us?
 

A 2,000-year-old answer comes from this same part of Paul's letter:

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28 (Emphasis added)

We don't need convincing that positive circumstances work for our good – this is self-evident. Rather the “all things” Paul has in mind are the negative circumstances: poverty, loss, oppression, illness (whether the ‘Black Death’ in 1320 or the ‘Novel-Coronavirus’ in 2020). What is the ‘good’ that results from these? Thankfully, we don’t have to guess. He clearly explains in the next verse:

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."  - Romans 8:29 (Emphasis added)

For those God has chosen ("called", "foreknew", "predestined"), negative outward circumstances ("all things") drive positive spiritual change ("conformed to the image of his Son"). Therefore, far from God being against us in times like this virus crisis, I believe He is doing the most incredible work in our lives. He will take the symptoms of his anger against humanity and, if you are called to be a brother or sister in Christ, will use these to refine and stretch your inner being. In this way, you will eventually fully bear the same 'image' or 'likeness' of Jesus' own character. The 'curse' will be as a blessing to you!

Friends, this is not abstract theology. This has been my lived experience in the past two weeks. I live on a university campus with many international students. Previously, I was convicted of how little I actually knew or cared about what was going on in their lives. My prayer was this would change over the Spring Festival holiday when many were still around. Then the Coronavirus outbreak happened. The scare of this virus compelled me and other believers to send messages, make calls, knock on doors, pray big prayers, buy supplies for others, open up our home, and share the Gospel far more boldly. Through this virus, I can see God visibly stretching me to have a Christlike concern for others.

So, as you go about your day, I ask you to consider: What are the hardest circumstances you have faced after knowing Jesus? Perhaps times of intense grief, insecurity, despair, injustice, or physical suffering. Now consider: how did God ultimately use those to make you more like Christ? Then trust he will most certainly do the same with this virus scare also.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for the assurance that you are for us, not against us! Let me dwell with you for a while now, to receive strength to go out and bless others in the joy that this assurance brings.

By Alkesh Woods, Beijing