Daily Devotional: Trusting God In The Midst Of A Pandemic

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” -Psalm 37:3

In the year 2020, COVID-19 changed the world. Face masks were required in public. Travel was restricted. The world became less stable and more politically divided. Socialization was decreased because of social distancing while fear continually rose. Many of us lost loved ones in this pandemic and are still grieving today.

During the peak of the pandemic, I was working in the hospital as a Rehabilitation Technician. We were required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This included an isolation gown, N-95 mask, a face shield, and gloves.

It was surreal. I felt like I was experiencing the apocalypse. Most of us were scared of catching the virus while working with sick patients on ventilators, but we knew it was our duty to help our patients—no matter the cost.

Although at times I feared for my life, I knew the Lord was protecting me. For the Bible reminded me to trust in the Lord and enjoy safe pasture (Ps. 37:3). For the Lord is our Shepherd (Ps. 23:1) and Protector (Jn. 16:33). He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6). He works all things together for our good (Rom. 8:28). I know—easier said than done.

Fast forward to now—March 3, 2021. The cases are declining in the United States and more than 78 million vaccine doses have been administered so far in the U.S. alone. 265 million shots have been given worldwide. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee this pandemic is over. However, we must remain hopeful and maintain a positive attitude.

More importantly, it’s time for Christians to find strategies how to share the gospel in a pandemic world. The gospel is the good news that God saves sinners. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life (Jn. 3:16). I know this is an often quoted verse, but it bears repeating again and again.

In recent times, skeptics seem confused by who Jesus is, what He stood for, and why He came into this world. When unbelievers view Christianity as an intolerant, narrow-minded, and prejudice worldview—this becomes an unfortunate association. How do we communicate to a lost world the need for Christ if they don’t think we truly love them? How might they trust in God in the midst of this pandemic?

Point them to Scripture. Show them a time when Jesus protected the Samaritan woman from the religious Pharisees and how he stood for the inalienable rights of women. Read them the story of the Lord healing the blind, the lame, and visiting widows and orphans in distress to declare to the world that God wants socioeconomic equality for all. Reveal to them how Peter cut a Roman soldier’s ear off because they were going to arrest Jesus, but Jesus rebuked Peter and healed the man instead—showing love and grace to those who fiercely rejected Him.

The world is scared in this pandemic. They do not have the comfort we speak of in Christ. Therefore, the last thing we should be doing is quarreling with them about political issues.

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Instead, let’s listen and empathize. Let’s show respect, courtesy, and love. This counter-culture mentality is how we will win souls for Christ. I pray that we love well. For love covers a multitude of sins. May the Lord give you the wisdom to share the hope you have with gentleness and humility in the midst of this pandemic (1 Pet. 3:15). Blessings!

Article written by Chad A. Damitz (M.Div)