A red sign that read, “COVID-19 HOME UNDER QUARANTINE” decorated the door of every home the virus had infected.
Newscasts informed citizens of conditions in America and sometimes in China, but I rarely heard of conditions in any other country. However, I knew people fared poorly in India because my missionary friend who serves there periodically told me so. His recent message gave a sobering scene.
The virus had infected twelve of his neighbors, who were hospitalized. Officials had extended the national lockdown for another month. As in America, many companies were forced to close, and thousands were unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. What differed, however, were the daily wage laborers in India—something foreign to America. Thousands had returned to their villages, walking more than one hundred miles to get there, a journey that would take six to seven days.
One night, a truck had run over and killed eight of the day laborers as they slept on the street—two of them children. A goods train had run over another seventeen—six of whom were children—as they slept on railroad tracks during the night. Many of those walking were pregnant women or mothers with small children.
The news saddened me. As terrible as things seemed in America with millions infected by the virus, things could have been worse.
I prayed the night of my friend’s message that God would protect His children, give strength to medical professionals and first responders, provide wisdom for those working on a vaccine, and protect those who worked to manufacture and transport essential goods.
Many things lie beyond our control. The virus did. Yet, I remember God’s promise through Isaiah.
Following Christ doesn’t necessarily mean we won’t contract COVID or some other virus, but we do have the promise that God will meet our needs. He is as good as His word. When He says not to fear, we shouldn’t fear, but trust. We walk by faith, not sight. When we do, it builds our faith and character. Spiritual growth takes place, and we form a message we can share with others who face difficult times.
God is in the business of comforting our souls. Don’t let anything deprive you of the peace found in trusting Him. Fear not, weary pilgrim.
Father, when my soul is weary from traveling through this difficult world, comfort me with the promise of Your presence.
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