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What Next - 2020

What is it about the year 2020?  Why? And what next?

  

We are only into the month of July, yet more unusual disturbing events have happened than probably ever before.  Among the first is the COVID19 pandemic which created a nationwide state of emergency shutdown.   People were told to distance themselves, wear a mask, and wash their hands.   Many have been told to harbor at home.  Many have lost jobs and are still unemployed.   

Why is this happening, we might ask?  There are many theories, but no true answer to solve the dilemma we face, except one.  Regardless of the cause, we can solve our panic by looking to God’s Word.  In Isaiah 41:10 we find encouragement.  “Fear thou not; for I am with thee:  be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”  Even if we are so unfortunate as to contact the virus, we who have accepted Christ has assurance of everlasting life.  John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  

Next we have protects in the streets with many not wearing masks and not distancing themselves at all.  Many of these protects are not peaceful; they are rioting, looting, burning buildings, and destroying our historical statues; statues that represent those who fought to provide freedom for this land and the people who live here.  How do we overcome?  We look to God’s Word.  He is our hope.  Within that hope, we need to continue to love and strive to be a peace with one another.   We find comfort in Psalm 31:24, “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”

What next?  Just this week, we are hearing reports that there is a coin shortage with some stores not wanting to accept cash for payments.  There appears to be a continuing cycle of unusual events.  It is becoming scarier every day.  How can we overcome?  Again it is in scripture, time and time again, when the Lord says, “Fear not.”  And how do we fear not?  It is by knowing that God created the world.  He is in charge of the universe.  Whatever comes about, the world is in His hands.  Colossians 1:16, “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 

Throughout our concerns for health, continuing freedom, financial well-being, job security, and Christian fellowship we must maintain a heart full of hope and love for others.  1 Peter 3:8-9, “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.  Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”