The God of Certainty

There is a lot of uncertainty today, not the least of which is the effect the coronavirus is having, and will have in the long run.

I have seen posts today stating that the National Guard is being called into service in some states. I've read where Italy has determined not to treat older people who have the virus (think socialized medicine). We have watched the stock market plunge, losing most of what it had gained in months prior.

The President has declared a national emergency, giving government a lot of power and liberty to effect our personal lives. Governors have closed schools, and ordered restaurants and other social gathering places to close, hospitals are overwhelmed, and panic has left many store shelves depleted of basic necessities. These are but a few things that have taken place due to the coronavirus.

In the midst of uncertainty, which brings with it fear, and as we have witnessed, panic, there is one thing we can be certain of; the God of heaven has not been displaced from the throne. He is immutable. He has declared, "For I am the LORD, I change not;" (Malachi 3:6)

During this time of uncertainty, when it seems hopeless that we will escape the effects of this current threat, you can trust Him.

Christian friend, have you been guilty of displacing Him off the throne of your heart; allowing other things or other people to have first place? May what we are witnessing draw us back to Him.

Unbelieving friend, seeing how the world is reacting to current conditions; in sheer panic, I encourage you to look to the God of peace. Not simply peace to get you through this current storm, but a peace that will last for ever. He is the calm in the midst of the storm, no matter how treacherous the waves may be. He is a true Friend, one who will not necessarily keep you from the storm, be keep you safe in the storm; He will be with you every step of the way. And if He should choose to call you home during this (or any) storm, you can rest in knowing that you will be with Him forever in that place where storms are no more.

"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:6,7

Michael Wilder is pastor of New Life Baptist, which meets at 428 Linden Lane in Lake Wales. Service times are 6 p.m. Sunday evenings and on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Wilder can be reached at 606-465-3097.