Mid-Week Devotional

Yesterday someone mentioned how much this pandemic must have been like the Great Depression in the way fear can take over for some. I am one who loves to learn from history but I am not keen on comparing the past with today. I try not to compare one persons illness with my experiences. Because it took me x number of days to heal that it would take the same for everyone.  But the conversation did make me think of King David and how he would in times of trouble often remember what God had done for him before. This memory would help him trust God is and will continue to bless. it brought to him peace and comfort.

 Yesterday, someone mentioned how much this pandemic must have been like the Great Depression in the way fear can take over for some. I am one who loves to learn from history, but I am not keen on comparing the past with today. I try not to compare one person’s illness with my experiences: “Because it took me ‘X’ number of days to heal that it would take the same for everyone.”  But the conversation did make me think of King David and how, in times of trouble, he would often remember what God had done for him before. This memory would help him trust that God does and will continue to bless. it brought to him peace and comfort.

On a Saturday back in 1933, our President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave a speech about the times they were going through. I find what he said then comforting today.
"This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. No need, we shrink from honestly facing the conditions in our country today, this great nation will endure, as it has endured and will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
As I read this again, I found it interesting that when Roosevelt delivered this speech, he had been in a wheelchair for the past 12 years, a victim of polio. As history would unfold, it would be 22 more years before a vaccine would be created for the disease. Still, President Roosevelt knew that in times of crisis, fear can be as much an enemy as whatever actually caused the crisis because fear can stall or completely stop the effort to find a solution. I would add that anger, indifference, burying your head, or thinking “it will not affect me” is just as dangerous.

Scripture tells us that King David knew his fear, anger or lack of action would also bring about his demise; so he turned to God for strength. He remembered what God had done.

Today, let us, God's children, remember what God has done for us in the past as well as what He is doing for us today. I believe that God blesses us with knowledge, progress and hope. It is God in whom we must trust; not by sitting and doing nothing and waiting, but by knowing that He has given man the ability to learn and develop.

With the corona virus a reality, as life is challenging right now, it might be important to remember that we have a history of rising to this type of challenge. God has blessed us with miracles.  Polio is one example, but it hasn't been the only dire puzzle we have solved.  During the past century, vaccines for yellow fever, anthrax, and cholera were created. Scientists have engineered vaccines for diphtheria, typhoid, whooping cough, and the Spanish flu. Once enigmas, tuberculosis, encephalitis, and rabies have now been defeated. Chickenpox, mumps, rubella, and measles are no longer a threat to schoolchildren; and today, the vaccinations for all four viruses are combined into a single dose. Smallpox was estimated to have killed 500 million people in the last 100 years of its existence. However, due to the creation and application of a vaccine, the World Health Organization certified in 1980 that smallpox had been eradicated from the earth. There are vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, meningitis, pneumonia, Hong Kong flu, and swine flu.  Adapted from an article by A.  Andrews

Today,  the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is now the number one priority of scientists and researchers all over the world. In addition, history shows that they're better equipped and more knowledgeable than ever about how to deal with the challenge we face. The coronavirus will be the next to fall.

So what is our role? Pray and listen to the experts; use common sense. We know what God has done in the past and this should bring hope. We know that we have a home waiting for us and this should bring peace. and I believe that He is there for us today. Is there a lesson in this? I believe there is, but that is another devotion.

Let us continue to call each other and simply check in. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus, not thinking we are immune, but within the parameters of what the experts are telling us to do. Remember, the church is here and we are ready to help in whatever way we can. Pass this on.  See you on line Sunday morning at 10. EOCCME.COM under the worship tab.