Is God responsible for COVID-19? Does He care? Find out the answers and more!
By Lionel Low, DiscoveryLand Teacher (written as a resource to connect with his friends and loved ones in this time)
For many of us, COVID-19 comes with unprecedented loss of freedom, health or income. For others, COVID-19 has resulted in the loss of loved ones.
In the midst of this global disaster, we reflect on the uncertainty of life and the role of God.
The Bible, which is the word of God, provides us with answers to the key questions in life, including those we have in a pandemic.
Is God responsible for COVID-19?
The Bible tells us that God is sovereign and that nothing can happen unless He allows it. God had the final say as to whether or not COVID-19 took place, and He alone decides when it will come to an end. "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand" - Isaiah 46:10 (NLT)
While the occurrence of COVID-19 is within God’s will, it does not mean that He is pleased that it is happening or He caused it to happen. Pandemics and natural disasters are effects of the fallen creation we live in, which itself is a judgement on mankind for falling into sin. Sin is anything thought or done that dishonors God, going against moral character and will. Sin separates us from God. God is pleased with neither sin nor having to judge mankind. “…But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” - Romans 8:20-22 (NLT)
Why does God allow good people to suffer during COVID-19?
Many of us try to do good to others and strive to live the best life we can. However, if we are frank with ourselves, we know the core of our nature comprises sinful acts and sinful thoughts. We shudder at the notion of having our innermost thoughts projected on a screen for our loved ones and friends to see. To a holy God, none of us are truly “good". “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” - Romans 3:23 (NLT)
The Bible has warned us that increasingly, wars, famine, pandemics, natural disasters will abound (Luke 21:10 11). COVID-19 is but an instance. Even so, the worst thing that can happen to us is not the suffering in this life, but the prospect of an eternity which we choose that God will not be part of. “They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.” - 2 Thessalonians 1:9 (NLT)
Does God care about us anymore?
While none of us can claim that we deserve to be exempted from suffering in this fallen creation, God has not left us alone and without rescue. God loves us and hates all suffering. First and foremost, God wants to save us from the penalty of our sins and give us eternal life. He wants to restore our relationship with Him. He does so by sending His son, Jesus, down to die for us on the cross. Jesus took the penalty for our sins upon Himself, such that whoever believes in Him and turn back to God, will be saved.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23
Secondly, God is not just the God of the life after, but is very much involved in our lives right now and will either deliver us from harm or be with us in the suffering, depending on what is best for each of us. The Bible is clear that He cares for all who comes to Him. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:6-7
How then should we respond to God in the midst of COVID-19?
The horror of COVID-19 and other disasters reflect the horror of our sinful state and its consequences. It serves as wake up calls for us to make things right with God by simply believing in Jesus. What this sudden crisis has taught us is that, with or without COVID-19, none of us knows what will happen tomorrow. We cannot put our security in wealth, people or even ourselves. “You who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.’ You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.’” - James 4:13-15 (NLT)
God alone is our security, in this life and the eternity to come. He has promised that when we walk with Him, there is peace and joy that persist in our lives on earth, regardless of what we are going through. And then one day, when this life is over, God will bring us home to eternity where sin, death and sorrow no longer exist. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." - Revelation 21:4 (NLT)
If you have yet to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, now is a good time to think about it. There is nothing more important in this life than to get your standing right with God and being certain of your eternal destiny. “So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 5:21 (NLT)
Receiving Jesus as your Lord and Savior means starting a relationship with Him. It's not entering into a contract of religious laws that suffocates your freedom! On the contrary, the Bible tells us Jesus gives us the true freedom to be the best that God has created us to be! "So if the Son sets you free,you will be free indeed." - John 8:36
Want to receive Jesus? Just pray this prayer: Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for me. I am sorry that I have sinned against You. I now turn away from all my sins. Please forgive me of all my sins and be my God and the Leader of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. We would love to hear this good news and connect with you! Email us, ring us at +65 6468 4444 or join our online Guest Reception after our English services. Services are streamed on our Facebook Page or Youtube channel on Thu, 7.30pm, Sat, 5pm & Sun 8.30 & 11am. Still have questions? Click here to find out more about Jesus or get in touch with us!
Reflect & Respond
What reflections have you had upon your life during this pandemic? Do you classify yourself as a good person? What makes your life meaningful when schedules are not full?
How do you feel knowing God is in control and He hates all suffering?
What are some thoughts you have about Christianity? Find out the truth here.