It’s all too natural, all too human for us to feel confused as Covid-19 takes its toll on the human race. Why isn’t the God we have trusted to protect us, intervening? Why isn’t He answering the prayers of those who plead for the deliverance of their loved ones who succumb to this tragic chapter in human existence?
Is there a reason for His silence, His inaction?
Luke 22:42 might give us some insight.
In that passage, we learn that Jesus, tormented by the knowledge of his pending torment, asks God to consider sparing Him that experience. “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
We all know how that worked out.
God did not intervene in the torture and crucifixion of His own Son, and we know, with the benefit of perfect hindsight, that those events were for the benefit of the entire world for generations to come.
If we view current events through that lens, we might begin to understand why Heavenly intervention is not taking place. Perhaps there is, once again, a benefit for all mankind, if we step back a bit from our personal viewpoint. Perhaps it is a wake-up call, a reset.
As the quarantine efforts continue, we are starting to see signs of the earth rebounding from many years of human abuse. Air pollution in major cities has greatly diminished because of reduced toxic exhaust from thousands of momentarily idle vehicles. Normally clouded waterways are likewise flowing with clear, clean water. Wildlife that normally hides from human contact is venturing out to explore areas which they had surrendered to humanity.
Humanity too seems to be rediscovering what was lost.
The isolation and quarantine efforts are triggering a renewed appreciation for the closeness and common physical interactions that have been a part of all our lives. We feel an emptiness and loss when we are unable to engage in such simple interactions such as a handshake or a hug. The social gatherings that we have taken for granted are off-limits.
As difficult as it is to find a positive aspect in our current crisis, especially when it impacts our loved ones, it may be the time to exercise a strong faith.
The loss of some among us and the stress and anxiety we are experiencing is framed in the perspective of our human life viewpoint. If we step back and examine the lessons of the Bible, we might recognize that the people of those times experienced the same anxiety and loss that we do today. We might also realize that the crisis they experienced ultimately led to a better future for humanity.
The evidence is there. The key to peace of mind is to trust that there is more beyond today’s life – more for each of us in that existence beyond death, and a greater future for generations to come because of our experience.
Trust.