The Providence of Pandemics: Biblical Reflections on the Greater Plan in Trying Times

One of the questions I'm hearing more and more often throughout my ministry is "Howcan I strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ and remain positive in a world full of turmoil?How does my relationship with the Lord survive COVID-19? Here's a small taste ofwhat's in these pages.There have and always will be uncertainty in the world today, it's a sign of the timeswe're living in as prophesied by John in the book of Revelations.● There is only One who knows what your path is and your entire destiny.● Putting your trust in man can only lead to disappointment.● Divine Providence comes from God and can be enjoyed by all.● Ancient prophets walked and talked with God face-to-face.● We can strengthen our relationship with the Lord by making small changes daily.● We will always face trials and challenges; it's how we deal with them that matter.● His arm is always outstretched towards us, all we need to do is reach up.While we may not have all the answers to life, there is One who does and we have theability and capacity to develop a meaningful relationship with Him. As a matter of fact,He wants you to rely on Him more than you do on those of the world. Just as He walkedand talked face-to-face with Adam, Noah, and Moses, we know that He is acutely awareof each of His children. He wants to protect us so we can return to Him someday.He offers us His Divine Providence and requires us to use our wisdom when it comes tofollowing counsel we receive from the World Health Organization (WHO) , the Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , various government officials responsible forHealth & Well-being; as well as our religious leaders. More now than ever before in thehistory of mankind we have such a wealth of knowledge and information freely at ourfingertips. It's available for us to read and digest, we have the same agency to choose tobe cautious in matters pertaining to our health, or we can be casual and accept those bitsof information that suit us as individuals.Choosing His way and asking His Holy Spirit to be your companion and guide to getthrough these uncertain times will lead you to light and knowledge. Your mind will be opened to new information and ideas as you choose to put Him first in your life. I'd liketo echo these words "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the worldgiveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John14:27 KJV) .