As we come to the end of 2020, we attest to the fact that 2020 is a pandemic year. The global pandemic of COVID-19 has definitely thrown everyone off this year. However as a Christian, I truly believe that GOD has ordained COVID-19 to serve His Purpose. Therefore, Christians should not despair because of the sufferings or inconvenience that come about with COVID-19. The simple reason is GOD is Sovereign (Job 42:2, Psalm 115:3, Isaiah 45:7-9, Matthew 19:26) and so even if COVID-19 makes you sick and weak and / or it render you unemployed becoming poor and hungry, Christians have to trust GOD (Matthew 6:25-34). Many times, Christians worry just like the others of this world and this type of modus operandi is one used by our enemy, the devil. He seeks to cause doubt in our GOD (Genesis 3:1) and the fear of death in our hearts (Philippians 1:21). Just as when Christ, the Son of GOD was revealed, the devil sought to incite doubts through temptations (Matthew 4:1-11) and eventually to kill Him on the Cross (John 19:17-18).
But this verse which recorded what Christ had said is
apt:
"Do not fear
those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him
who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
- Matthew 10:28
Yes, we are going through hard times but remember that
GOD is in full control because through Christ's Work on the Cross, He has
already proven that He is able to redeem us from the most dire situations ever.
In my humble opinion, GOD ordained COVID-19 to come to pass because He wants
all of us as the people of His Kingdom to refocus upon Him. The question
remains if we truly believe that GOD is Sovereign over all matters under the
sun (Ecclesiastes 6:1-2).
In this pandemic year, I faced with many challenges
and by the Grace of GOD, He has seen my family and I through the year. Giving
thanks to the LORD is the posture I undertake for the most part of this year.
In expressing my gratitude to my LORD, I soon realized that I have absolutely
no control over the situations of my life at all but GOD does (Proverbs 19:21). GOD
calls the shot, not me and this is my learning point for 2020. Accepting this
point reveals to me the need to deny myself, take up the Cross daily and follow
Christ (Luke 9:23). This sums up the meditation of my life in 2020 as I handle
work and family, playing the roles of a counsellor, a husband and a father. The
challenges are immense but I now came to the realization that if I look beyond
myself, my own needs under the sun, then I would be able to seek GOD’s Kingdom
and Righteousness (Matthew 6:33) first Where He exists beyond the sun
(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). This thus would be the moment when I am truly living
out the Purpose of GOD which is to shape me to be more Christlike and, in this
regard, to put others’ interests above my own (Philippians 2:3-5) - the goal of
Christian living.
O Christians, may we learn how to seek first GOD’s
Kingdom and Righteousness always in 2021 and remember that we are Heaven’s
Citizens passing through this earth for a limited period of time. Let our time
on earth be spent fulfilling the Will of our Abba Father by echoing what Jesus
said (John 4:34). Have a Blessed New Year ahead. 🙏🏽
