It all seems hopeless in the news these days.  Record unemployment. Cases of illnesses and deaths every day. Global pandemic.  It seems that life as we know it has ended, at least for a time.

In the middle of the uncertainty, fear, and worry that surrounds us, each new day seems to bring news that’s worse than the day before. For those who are infected as well as those trying to avoid infection, these are trying times. The burden is crippling for those struggling with financial uncertainty. For those who have lost loved ones, the hurt is unspeakable.

Is there any good news at all these days? Are we going to sink deep into a hole?

Or are we going to look up, and allow God to lift us above our circumstances?

We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond to it. Amid all the gloom and doom, there are lots of reasons to hope. There is more than a little good news today.

Our Recovery.

In most cases, people are recovering from the virus. It does not seem to greatly impact the young and healthy. The number of cases is falling in areas where the virus has escalated previously. We have been blessed with the greatest healthcare professionals and scientists in the world who have set their focus on fighting this enemy. The numbers are improving. Treatments are showing promise. There is a light at the end of this tunnel. Our governor is opening up some more businesses this week.

Our Communication.

Even though we are quarantined, we live in a time in history when we have ways to stay in close touch with our friends and loved ones—phones, letters, the internet. We can connect to our families and friends. Zoom, Facebook, and Webex chats have saved the sanity of many a grandparent longing for their grandbabies during this time. In many cases, it allows people to continue to work and receive a pay check when we cannot physically go to work.

Our Country.

If we are going through such catastrophe, I am grateful that we can do it in the greatest nation on earth. I believe that the American Spirit is strong and that our economy will show remarkable healing once we are able to open back up.

Our Churches.

While the devil is trying really hard to close the doors of the church through this pandemic, the church has filled the airways in a way like never before. It has poured out of the church buildings and into the parking lots, then into countless homes across our country. Where people haven’t gone to church in years, church has now come to them. Distractions that once kept people away have now been removed for this brief time in history. Real change is happening.

Our Families and Friends.

This pandemic will pass, but I hope some of the good things that have transpired will not. Families are sitting at the dinner table together. They are working puzzles together and playing board games. Couples are talking more. I think we have all grown more thankful for our homes and those we love and the provisions that God has given us. Neighbors are helping neighbors in a way we haven’t seen in a very long time.

Our Blessed Hope.

We don’t have to face troubles alone. There is hope and His name is Jesus.  When we cannot be with our loved ones, He can. When we cannot go out, He stays in with us. He is hope for the hopeless and help for the helpless, rest for the weary, grace and mercy for the undeserving and that would be all of us.  This pandemic is not a surprise to Him, nor is it more than He can handle. Rest assured He is always working a plan, and He promises that all things work together for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. He does His best work during, through and with trouble.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

A long time ago, God looked down from heaven and saw our need and that we were lost in our sin.  He knew that we could not save ourselves, and He would rather die for us than live without us.  So He stepped out, came to a sinful world, paid the price for our sins in the greatest act of love that ever was.  His story of grace is the ultimate good news for mankind.

This pandemic is not in charge. The financial markets are not in charge. The government is not in charge. God is. He created the universe, and you and me. He can and He certainly will bring us through this. It is important to remember that our provisions do not come from man. They come from God. If we keep our heads up, we will see Him work His amazing plan in our lives. A great revival is springing up in the midst of this storm. Help is on the way. Help is already here.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

I love Stephen Curtis Chapman. His song “The Great Adventure” says, “I opened up my Bible and read about me”.  Isn’t it great to know that God’s word is just as real today as it was when it was written. And, yes, it is about me and you today right now in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic in April of 2020! 

It’s full of His promises. Promises of peace in the midst of our storms; healing for those willing to reach for the hem of His garment; and living water for the thirsty and sight for the blind.  He came to give us life, and to give it to us more abundantly. We would all be dead in our sin without His grace.  He promises, “My grace is sufficient…” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Dear Lord: Thank You that You know exactly what it going on, and that you hold us all in Your hands. You have overcome the world, You can certainly bring us through this trying time, and do a great work in the process. Bring revival. Make us better people coming out of the pandemic than we were before it began. We lift up those who are struggling physically, those who have lost loved ones, and those who suffer financially. Please bring help and comfort in each of these situations. We thank You in advance for all that You are going to do. Amen

It is not a matter of if we will walk out of this trial, it is a matter of when. I know we will walk out changed.  How will you let the experience change you?

Please share your thoughts, comments and experiences to encourage our group. Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today.

May we emerge with the good news on our lips, a song of thankfulness to God in our hearts, and a continuing spirit to help and love others.