The tension of waiting to see the outcome after over a month of being quarantined is palpable, but God's people are used to waiting . . .

In the Old Testament, God's people waited for the promised Messiah, and now as partakers of the new covenant, we wait for His return. Living in the "already but not yet" tension is hard, but we know God's promises are yes and amen. Living in the uncertain time of a pandemic is hard, too, and while we don't know the end, God does.

While we wait, we can find peace in God's word, promises, and character. And we can find encouragement by looking at the past. The world has seen such times before and lived to tell about it.

God's Word, Character and Promises

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV). 

When we choose not to let anxiety or any problem we encounter rule us but bring every matter to God in prayer, God gives us peace. Peace that does not make sense in the midst of a pandemic. But peace that endures, nonetheless.

The Past Informs the Future

Since 1900, there have been eight pandemics. Looking at past pandemics can give us hope. Economies have flourished once again. Life has continued and God's plan for man is not thwarted despite everything we face on this earth.

Put Your Fear in the Right Place.

God is our Provider. Everything is in His control. As the world seems to be spiraling out of control, He holds it firmly in His hands. When we have our fear in God and not in man or anything in this world, we find peace again.

"This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people: 'Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.'"  (Isaiah 8:11-13, NIV).

We have a website page set up to encourage you during this time. Visit our COVID-19 Response landing page on our website to give you hope and peace while you wait: https://www.stewardshipadvisory.com/coronavirus