It is five months now since the Coronavirus Pandemic hit. We have all gone through the experiences of lockdowns, wearing masks, social distancing and a host of other things. As I look back, there have been some lessons that I have learned as a result of it.
First, my belief in the uncertainty of life has definitely been reinforced by this experience. The other day as I was walking uptown, I looked around and saw that most people were wearing a mask. It almost looked like something from the Twilight Zone or Outer Limits. My initial reaction was to think, “Who would’ve thought one year ago that this is what we would be doing?”
Just like the meme I saw online the other day: “So in retrospect, in 2015, not a single person got the answer right to the question: ‘Where do you see yourself in five years from now?’” I agree; who would’ve said?
All of my life, I have been convinced of life’s uncertainty based on verses like these from the Bible: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:13-15.) Now, I believe it even stronger than ever.
Lesson Number Two: I have come to believe that a virus is the strongest thing in the world. Recently, my son Curtis, who has a degree in the sciences, said to me, “A virus is the strongest thing in the entire world. “ He went on to say, “We had almost come to the place where we thought that we as humankind were. But in reality that’s not true; viruses are much stronger than people.”
I agree with him. We have seen the entire world brought to its knees by this virus. No one is invincible to it: rich or poor, famous or unknown, all are vulnerable.
The other day, I was meeting with a group of men from our church, all of us social distancing as we enjoyed our donuts and coffee. One of the guys made a profound statement. He said this virus has shut down all the wars in the world. Come to think of it that’s exactly what happened. There are no wars going on today.
And finally, I have had my belief strengthened in the fact that God is in control. As I read the Bible, I see it teaching the truth of the sovereignty of God: “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and
His kingdom rules over all” Psalms 103:19.
There are two polar opposite worldviews when it comes to history and existence. First, there’s “Existentialism” which states that history has no purpose; that things happen and there is no rhyme or reason for them. Second, there is “Theodicy” which says that God has a purpose in history and He has promised that “all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” Romans 828.
This final truth gives me the greatest reassurance as I face the unknown future. I do believe that God is in control and in His plan, everything is going to work out for good.
I take great comfort in that.
Henry Ozirney was the founding pastor of New Life Church in Stonewall, where he served from 1970 until he retired in 2014. He is currently Interim Pastor at New Life Church in Teulon, Manitoba. He can be reached at [email protected] or 204-461-1105.
