Where is God in COVID-19?

How you ever seen a toddler casket? I was about to officiate my first funeral and it was the smallest I’d ever seen. It was for a 2 1/2-year-old little boy. How in the world could I give hope to his family?

I stumbled around doing my best talking about the hope that we have in God. Frankly, I missed the mark when I looked in the eyes of crying grandparents.

And then his sister stood up and read a Bible verses of her own choosing, “ I know that my brother will rise again.” (John 11:25?)

I was amazed at this teenager’s poise in the midst of heavy loss. It’s like she knew that in the present God was with her, and that in the future she would see her brother again.

Loss is hard. Small or big. Many, if not all of us are dealing with some loss in this world-wide pandemic. The loss may be so deep and disorienting that you may ask normal questions like, where is God in the midst of this?

I’m not smart enough to answer that on a worldwide scale or scientific level. But let me take a swing from personal level.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 NIV

So if you’re asking where of is God in COVID-19? Here’s the hope I’m holding onto and the answer to that question:

God is with you. 

The thing that keeps me steady is the fact that God is with me. Because I’m his child. Did you know that God likes to be with you? Because you are His son or daughter. He actually enjoys you. 

Sometimes God’s presence can feel like my home internet. On. Off. No signal. Weak signal. Strong signal. Back to none.

God is with you, friend. Sometimes we need to mentally choose that fact and say simple prayers like, “God, I don’t feel you now, or even know how, but would you just be near me?”

He promises to be close, especially when we are broken-hearted. 

Here’s where else God is and the hope I’m holding onto:

God is for you. 

A few years ago we were about to launch a church campus. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to start something that didn’t exist before, but it can really crank up your prayer life.

I was in the building the day before, by myself. I felt vulnerable about stepping into the unknown. Then another pastor from another church in the area stopped by. He said, “Hey, I just wanted to pray for you with the big day tomorrow.” I’m not sure if he will ever know how much it meant that he’d push aside his agenda, and send the message that he and his church were for me. 

Do you know that God is for you?

Sometimes life is painful because there is a spiritual battle going on. There’s an enemy of your soul that wants to take you out. But there is a God who would do absolutely anything to let you know He is for you. Enough that He sent His very Son Jesus to die for you. He understood loss. Because that loss was necessary to reach you and I.

I’ve got a spoiler alert and some good news: His Son came back to life, defeating death’s power. And that same power that raised Jesus from the dead overcame evil and is available to move us through COVID-19.

He is for you, friend. For. You.

I’ve been playing a song on repeat that speaks of a blessing from Scripture. The video below was filmed by a mulititude of churches from my hometown of Pittsburgh. May it speak a blessing over you and your family.

If Erin or I could pray for you or just listen, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Blessings, friend! Where is God in COVID-19? God is with you and for you! Enjoy a blessing…

Dave