Editor’s Word: Interruptions and Opportunities

Rudy Gray

Rudy Gray

The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted life worldwide. People are dying. Hospitals are overflowing. Life is different during this season. The good news is that because God is sovereign, He is in the interruptions of life — even a worldwide pandemic. Nothing comes into this world that does not come through His hands first.

For the past few Sundays, my wife and I have watched our church services online and viewed several others as well. We seem to be “attending” more worship services per Sunday than ever before! It is not the same as gathering together physically, but it is an opportunity to reflect, pause, pray, refocus, and, above all, renew our commitment to Christ.

The word “interruption” means a break in the continuity of something; a stoppage or hindering of an activity for a time; a time when you cannot operate as usual. Our world is living through an interruption at this time. Interruptions can be disruptive and destructive, but they are also opportunities. Someone stated that God may be saying something like this to us, “This is not an interruption but an illustration of My love, care and affection for you.”

When writing about interruptions, many different communicators quote C.S. Lewis, who wrote, “The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s own real life. The truth is, of course, that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life — the life God is sending one day by day. What one calls one’s real life is a phantom of one’s own interpretation.”

The upheaval in our “normal” activities is obvious. Our attitude during this viral interruption is not only important, it is critical. Sooner or later, this pandemic will pass. But during this time, what will we remember: That we drew closer to Christ, or complained about the tragedy we are experiencing? COVID-19 is the interrupter, but this invisible and awful virus is not God! The Lord remains our hope and strength, and His Word will continue to bless us if we turn to it.

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” It is difficult, if not impossible, for the unbelieving to believe God is in this pandemic. But He is not only in it — He is over it.

“Why” questions seldom have answers, and if we persist in asking them, we may find ourselves bewildered. “What” questions can be helpful. What can we do during this time? Cooperate with those who have the authority over us, pray, and seek first God and His kingdom in the midst of this terrible interruption. We have a tremendous opportunity to study His Word, share His gospel, and live the life He gives us to live.

There are a number of places in Scripture where interruptions occurred — even Jesus was interrupted! These verses of Scripture can help us to see beyond our present circumstances and inspire us to understand our current dilemma in a more hopeful light: Exodus 3:1-14; Joshua 6; Luke 1:26-37; Luke 18:35-43; Mark 5:25-34; Acts 9:1-19; Acts 16:11-34. There are many more biblical accounts to apply to this unusual and challenging season of life.

Many people are worried now. What can we do about that? Matthew 6:19-34 is a powerful paragraph that includes counsel about worry. Verse 34 is particularly relevant to our times: “Do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” What does God’s Word advise us to do with our worry? First Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you.”

This virus is terrible, but we are not alone even if we are isolated. God is with us. Regardless of what happens, worry will not help us, but faith in God and His promises will comfort, strengthen, and lead us to peace within. We are connected to a great God through simple faith in Jesus Christ. His love will not abandon us but empower us through this crisis. Please read Romans 8:26-29 and rest in the marvelous grace of a truthful and loving God.