Hope During COVID-19

Please allow me to give current statistics regarding COVID-19 as of today, 09/18/20. In California, 2% of the population has tested positive for COVID (775,000 out of 40 million). Current deaths in the state of California is 3.7/100 of 1% (14,804 out of 40 million). It is still a small % compared to the total population, but it is growing. Of those who get COVID in California, the current death rate is about 2% (which is lower than the national average of 3%).

I spoke to a police officer on Wednesday night who recently had several of his family members die from this disease as it spread from one family member to another. I am doing a graveside service on Monday for a lady in our church who died a few months ago from COVID. This disease is constantly in the news and there are reminders of it every time we go to a store. People around the world are giving serious thought to the reality of death and what will happen to them beyond the grave.

“Paul, I thought you mentioned HOPE?!?” I did, but first I wanted to help you understand why so many of your neighbors and friends are concerned and/or frightened.

In the midst of uncertain times like this, one thing I know for certain is that my God is absolutely sovereign over all things at all times. He rules over elections (Rom. 13) and diseases. We currently live in a cursed world that is ruled by imperfect people who make imperfect decisions. But my God takes what others intend for evil and uses it for good (Gen. 50:20). No one can thwart His will. He is moving mightily all over the world drawing people to Himself through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is building His Church worldwide in the midst of this “pandemic.”

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have a hope that will not disappoint (Rom. 5:5). We have a hope that the rest of the world does not have (Eph. 2:12). It is incumbent upon us to put that hope on display for a watching world. The Apostle Peter commanded first century believers in Jesus, who were being severely persecuted for their faith, to “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you of the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet. 3:15). Even though they were being mistreated, their godly behavior and trust in the Lord was having an impact on people who watched them and saw that they were truly different.

Are you living in such a way that people want to know about your hope? When they ask, are you ready to tell them that Jesus Christ is your Savior, that He has first place in every area of your life, and that He can change their lives as He has changed yours?

There is a wide-open door for effective ministry during COVID-19. Sadly, many are getting sick and some are dying. In a world where over 150,000 people die every day of all different causes; people desperately need hope. Let’s do all we can to reach as many as we can with the Gospel of Jesus Christ so they too can experience peace that is beyond comprehension and hope that will not disappoint.

If you need a boost to your hope, please join us for our outdoor service on Sunday night, 6pm, when we will sing God’s praises and study Psalm 47. Your hope will be energized by the glorious truths in God’s Word!

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