31/03/2020
A WAKE-UP CALL
Witnessing the sudden changes in our community today because of the threat of infection of COVID-19, all I can say is this:
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. (Proverbs 27:1 KJV)
No matter how much we planned our tomorrows, it is still God's will that prevails. A reminder that we should not rely on our physical strength, financial stability and social security, but on the God Almighty alone.
2 Chronicles 7:13 KJV
If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people;
God may send no rain, command the locusts to cause destruction, and send pestilence even to His dear children. What's His purpose? He wants to get our attention back to Him, and show us how dependent we are in Him ALONE.
Situation like this is God's wake up call to His children who forsake His commandments and are living in sinful life. These situations will remind us how God can turn everything worse in just a snap of His fingers. We don't see this coming, but here it is — COVID-19 is killing thousands of people around the world, drop the economy of countries down, and had caused fear and panic to most of us.
And yet look, churches still have empty pews during prayer meeting and vigil. Christians wake up only to finish their everyday duties without even bowing down their knees before God early in the morning. Those who profess to have Christ in their hearts still possess ungodly conversations and ungodly living. The people of God enjoy worldly pleasures instead of enjoying the pursuit of righteous living to honor God.
Distracted, Doubtful, Disobedient — Christians have gone so far, that His voice is heard, but not obeyed. Our stubborn hearts made Him deal with us this way.
God intends us to give Him everything because that's what He deserves. We are being confronted with who God is — He is a righteous God. He owns everything, and demands everything of us. And whether we give Him our all or not, He can still take everything from us.
How should we respond to this wake-up call from the Lord?
2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
These are the steps to spiritual healing:
1. Humble yourself.
Don't trust your money to save you. Don't rely on your connections and political power to protect you. Your everything now cannot do anything if God shuts them off.
2. Pray.
People who pray are people who believe. Honestly admit your utmost need of God.
3. Seek His face.
Evaluate your spiritual standing before God today through the word of God. As you get to know God more, you will get to know the direction He is leading you and what He wills you to do.
4. Turn from your wicked ways.
You can pray, listen to His word, but still unrepentant of your sins. Let the Lord break that stubborn heart as you surrender it totally to Him. It is sin that hinders us from the Lord's favor. Decide to do what's right from this day. Repent and move forward with the Lord.
Be moved from what's happening around you. Be sensitive to God's call to a holy living. Be pure — from thoughts to living. By that, your community and soon, the nation will receive God's healing.
— Editor KD
The Defending of Faith ph