Pandemic Panic but
God Is Still in Control
We’re in unchartered territory. Nothing like the Coronavirus Pandemic has been experienced in more than a century. The last such worldwide pandemic was the Spanish Flu of 1918. We thought that in this era of modern medicine those days were long gone. But we’ve been struck with the reality that those days are here again. We’re having to make major changes in our lifestyles and in how we relate with one another.
As I’m sure you are aware, worship services and church activities have been cancelled at least until state restrictions have been lifted.
We posted our first abbreviated worship service on social media last Sunday. We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response from church members who watched it. You can watch it by going to our church webpage – holytrinitymansfield.org – or by doing a google search for our Facebook page.
Our next two worship services – Palm Sunday and Easter – will be posted on our website and Facebook. Spread the word and let other church members know about it in your conversations with one another.
Other church members have told me that they watched the half-hour Lutheran worship service this past Sunday on Spectrum cable at 11:30 a.m., channel 12.
Please remember to check our church webpage and Facebook page for periodic updates. Pertinent information will also be on the church answering machine.
My devotions this morning referenced the following quote by David Benner: “Events that we would never choose enter our life quite regularly – sometimes as small interruptions to our plans for the day, and other times as crises that change our life forever. Regardless of their magnitude, these events serve as reminders that, despite our efforts and desires, we are not in control.”
During these uncertain times let us remind ourselves that God is still in control. God didn’t cause this pandemic but he can use it for our good. “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
No doubt the anxiety of many of us has reached new levels but rest assured that God will take care of you. It is human nature to worry about things that are out of our control. Let’s remember again that God is in ultimate control. Fall back on the promises he makes in his Word. “Do not worry about your life . . . Do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear’ . . . indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and this righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:25, 31-33)
There you have it. God’s promise. Turn to God. Trust God. He will provide for your needs. He will take care of you. “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7)
Turn your worries, your anxieties, into prayer. “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Do you want to worry less. Then pray more. Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray. Then experience the peace of God. True peace comes in knowing that God is ultimately in control. The peace of God comes when we commit all our cares to God and worry about them no more. In these uncertain times let God’s peace guard your hearts against worry and anxiety.
This too shall pass. We will be stronger because we worried less, trusted more. And God saw us through.
Pastor Pentti Maki