Pandemic Pentecost: Fanning the Flames of God’s Assurance
Unfortunately, it’s still my corona. And yours. Politicians dance about at press conferences, relaxing restrictions while reserving their right to reinstate. What assurance will we have that we’ll be safe? Ah, these days of new uncertainties. They unfold in this, our pandemic Pentecost as I’m fanning the flames of God’s assurances rather than culture’s.
It’s a tad lofty, goal-wise. But I figure, why not set my sights high? I can fill up my tank with His awesome power. I love how the verse from Hebrews 11:1 lays it out. It refers to “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Presidents can’t see it. Prime ministers can’t see it. Scientists can’t discern it. But God always can.
In a world where in many ways we see far too many disturbing images – violence, sex, murder and even plain old gloom and doom – isn’t it comforting to know that what is not seen is far more important to view, internalize, trust and rely upon? Especially in light of grim news graphics and footage of indigent graves.
Assurance of Things Hoped For
Often when we hope for something, there’s a subtle implication that the desired outcome is in doubt or could go either way. Hope defined means to want something to happen or to be true, or to cherish a desire with anticipation. But wanting and desiring do not a preferred outcome ensure.
But when it comes to the hope we have for eternity, our assurance comes solely from the promises of God. He tells us in Revelation 2:10, “Be faithful to me and I will give you a crown of life.” In John 3:16 it reads we “will not perish, but have eternal life.” That’s a promise we can take to the bank.
The Conviction of Things Not Seen
Now more than ever, when we’re fighting the unseen enemy that is coronavirus, we need courage behind our convictions. Being brave enough to trust the promises of a God we can’t see requires a bold leap of faith. It requires us to persevere toward an outcome that seems to fly in the face of logic. And when our emotions and our logical conclusions don’t line up with headlines or popular opinion, it’s time to rest in the deep truths held inside God’s precious words.
Paul reminds believers in 2 Corinthians 4:18 to “look not at the things which are not seen, for the things that are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” To be sure, culture trusts in all things seen. But the Christian knows the unseen kingdom of tomorrow will arrive one day. That hope is worth enduring the momentary troubles of yesterday and today and any opposition from the Prince of darkness.
Putting Kerosene on the Spirit’s Fire
Right now I have a fire in my belly. I want to make sure as many people as possible hear the reason for the hope I have. I realize I’m very blessed in that I don’t need to worry about provision. My loved ones and friends are safe and sheltered. Right now even my autistic child is at peace not knowing or understanding the unseen enemy of the pandemic.
If that’s not true for you I want you to know as I typed this I stopped and prayed for your situation. I really did. I empathize with your plight.
In this time of stress and challenge, I’m managing to reap a bountiful blessing in this challenging time. More one on one time with just me and Jesus. More of Him and less of me. And that equation translates to more fuel for His fire to spread the news to those still in the dark who aren’t yet warming themselves by the fire. Or even those with less fuel or energy to stoke their flames.
I guess it’s a kind of Pandemic Pentecost for me. (But, languages aside – full disclosure- I’m still an English speaker dabbling in a little Spanish.) See Acts 2 if that reference is too obtuse. The prophet Joel speaks of a similar revival. In chapter 2 verse 28, he speaks of those on whom God will “pour out my spirit on all flesh, your sons and your daughters will prophesy…and it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
This verse actually refers to what Joel called “the last days.” You won’t read anything here about timetables or signs. But I will go on the record to say that we are moving ever closer to that day rather than farther. We want to be wearing the armor of God: helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness and carrying the shield of faith. When it comes to the battlefields of this world and our minds, join me as I take my cues from the General of God’s army, not from his minions. It says in the Bible that “no man knows the day or the hour” that Christ will come again in His glory.
So keep that armor on. It’s that kind of battle gear that protects us far better than masks and gloves. And never assume that a single reading of encouraging scriptures ensures you have fully internalized them. Be sure you are systematically internalizing God’s word in the same way you are downing your vitamin C or taking in three square meals a day. Carve out a niche of time to be alone with God. Cry out to Him. Listen for His leadings. Review His promises. And share them with those for whom the assurance of things seen is as elusive as a normal day out of the house. When you do, you will find that you will be blessed beyond measure as others God has put in your sphere of influence can clearly see the reason for the hope that you have.
