To say we are living in unusual times is an understatement. COVID-19 has attacked the world, and we are forced to wage an unusual war against an invisible enemy. Some put their trust in science to discover a cure, develop a vaccine, and win the war. But even if scientists find ways to stop or prevent this virus, battles will still continue.
While we would not distrust science that works, God’s people must not put our trust in science alone but preeminently in our great God, who is sovereign over science itself. I am thankful for all the scientific advances that have occurred over the years and see it as a means of grace in the hands of an almighty God.
This global pandemic has devastated lives, but it cannot destroy souls. We are more than flesh and blood, and, while we should be grateful for the blessings medical science has given us, believers should be most thankful for our eternal life in Jesus Christ. I read recently that the great Christian apologist, Ravi Zacharias, whose cancer metastasized, was left with a grim prognosis from his doctors. He and his family were back in Atlanta for “however long the Lord gives us together.” He passed away on May 19.
We all have an appointment with death (Hebrews 9:29). We will all stand before our Lord, either at the judgment of condemnation or the seat of evaluation. Our hope is in Christ alone. Along our journey on this earth, we will encounter evil and good, God and Satan, and belief and unbelief. The mysteries and paradoxes of this life are too complicated to fully discern and yet too great to overlook. But our most empowering comfort, assurance and hope is to truly know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Until the end of the age, life and death will continue. New diseases will emerge, and other calamities and tragedies will come. But the one incomparable constant in this world of blessing and destruction is God.
Last year I had successful cancer surgery. My numbers were great for over a year. I discovered recently that my lab numbers indicate a “chemical recurrence.” A bone scan and MRI showed the cancer has not metastasized, and I am preparing for radiation treatments in the hope that the remaining cancer cells can be destroyed. Everything is more convoluted these days with the coronavirus impacting our society, particularly our medical facilities.
I am thankful for treatment that can extend life, but I am even more grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who hears our prayers, touches our lives, and secures our souls for eternity. Don’t get me wrong — I am praying for a successful outcome for my medical condition. I still want to see my grandchildren grow up and celebrate with my wife our 50th wedding anniversary. There are many things I want to experience, but I know that the greatest experience on this earth will be the last one — and the first one in heaven. Death is something no one should dwell on, but something we should embrace as inevitable.
Recently, someone shared with me his concern for a loved one’s soul. He said, “The thing that bothers me the most is not death, but the moment after death. Eternity is a long time.” Indeed, it is. But if we know Christ as Savior, we are promised it will be indescribably good.
These are unusual times, but they are filled with hope and healing. Many have died, and many more will die in the coming weeks and months. Stories of God’s amazing grace and magnificent mercy will be circulated. Life will get back to some type of normal. Prayerfully, we will remember, even through our tears, that our great God is loving and faithful.
This virus will eventually be stopped. God will use medical science to overcome it. Hopefully, we will have many more years on this earth that are blessed. But remember: The blessings really start when we get to heaven. It has been said that people who are heavenly minded are no earthly good, but if we are truly heavenly minded, we will be the most earthly good!