10 Random Thoughts about the Coronavirus

President Donald Trump has addressed the nation about it. Political leaders of other nations have done the same in their respective countries. Its news is on almost every station. Its spread has raised conversations about pandemics.

“It,” as you surely recognize, is the coronavirus. Here are some of my random thoughts about this virus:

1. We really are linked around the globe. No matter how far we live from one another, we’re connected. The whole world needs the gospel—and the Great Commission still calls us to the nations.
2. We’re weak and vulnerable people. We may think we’re tough, but even a virus can take us down. All the protective garb in the world still won’t stop death from capturing us. Jesus, though, died for weak people so we could be God’s children.
3. We’re not in control. We can take steps to stop the spread of the virus, but our training and experience combined don’t put us in control. God is in control, however, even when it appears otherwise.
4. Churches should have been thinking about the possible spread of infection long before the coronavirus appeared. Perhaps this threat will lead more churches to adopt best practices for nursery care, etc. My fear is that any steps we take now will not continue once the threat is gone.
5. This crisis should compel believers to pray for non-believers around the world. The well-publicized reality of people getting sick and dying all around the globe ought to press us to pray for people to hear the gospel. The nations need our intercession.
6. Faith doesn’t give us permission to be stupid. Following health guidelines and being careful with our hygiene, etc., are not evidences of a weak faith; they’re the product of God-given wisdom.
7. We need to be praying for the elderly among us. Analysis has shown that older adults are usually more vulnerable to the virus—but that conclusion only reminds us that death lurks around us. The gospel really does matter.
8. The media may be pushing us toward panic mode, but we can still have inner peace. Worry should not be a mark of true Christians. Instead, we can live with faith that conquers worry. We can have peace that others won’t understand.
9. This situation may well open doors for gospel conversations. It certainly gives us common ground to talk with others, and it pushes us to think about matters of life and death.
10. Leadership can be really hard. I’ve watched as pastors, academic administrators, and missions agencies have made tough decisions in light of the spread of the virus. Choosing to do good for the sake of others isn’t always easy.

What are your thoughts?