A few friends have asked me to share my thoughts about the situation we’re currently facing. The honest truth is that I probably wrestle as much as anyone else. I do have a fundamentally optimistic view of history: that all things will be redeemed, and the Kingdom will grow like a mustard seed until the earth is filled with goodness, justice, and beauty. So perhaps I can share from that perspective.

Clearly these are perilous times, but are they, indeed, the final days? Perhaps. But in the way of perspective, let me tell you about the year 536 AD. For eighteen months the deadliest volcanic eruption ever recorded was spreading ash into the atmosphere and darkening the entire earth. Catastrophic crop failures triggered a worldwide famine, which along with the Bubonic plague wiped-out one half of the Roman Empire. One half!! Snow was falling in China during the summer months, and raging floods devastated South America.

So things have been bad before.

But today we are undoubtedly closer than ever to the return of our King. And if Covid, anarchy, idolatry, and godlessness is the prelude to that glorious moment, how, then shall we live? Hebrews tells us, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for God is a consuming fire”. (Hebrews 12: 26-29). Whatever may come, God’s Kingdom will remain solid. And we are citizens of that Kingdom!

These are my little pea-brained recommendations:

Let’s use these times of “Covid slow-down” to prepare our hearts, de-clutter our lives, and focus on Jesus. Perhaps this time is God’s gift for us in the same way He used the enslavement of Israel to refine a people who would be fit to become His nation.

Be encouraged! Jesus has promised, “I will be with you always”. Whatever comes, we will never be alone. So bring it on! Who would trade the stability of nations for the precious gift of God’s presence?

Pray “Let Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” with greater expectancy and faith than ever before.

Let’s guard our hearts from fear. “Fear not, for I am with you!!” (Isaiah 41:10). In the end we know that God’s glory will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.

“And above all, we ought to love one another deeply.” (1 Peter 4:8). In case you haven’t noticed, hatred and division is outpacing the spread of Covid by a long shot. Let’s not allow ourselves to be swept away with the spirit of the age. Instead, lets draw near to the One who is Love.

Having done these things, I believe we will stand.