Focus on the good of God's work

I suspect most people know a friend or family member who’s contracted COVID-19. I was visiting with a very devout, elderly couple at church that recently who had it. At one point, the lady said she didn’t know how they got it because they were diligent in protecting themselves and others, not that she was blaming God or thought she was being disciplined for some sin (Hebrews 12:4-13), which many people do when bad things happen.

Anyway, I responded it likely wasn’t because of anything they did or didn’t do, but somehow God would bring about some good from the experience (Romans 8:28).

When asked who sinned causing a man to be born blind, Jesus said, rather than being a result of sin, the blindness happened so the work of God could be displayed and later the man attributed his healing to Jesus, which accomplished the purpose (John 9:1-11).

Jesus made a similar statement when his friend, Lazarus, was sick, and he followed up on the point when he raised Lazarus from the dead (John, chapter 11, especially verses 1-7, 14, 17-27, and 38-53).

Because of the initial sin, everybody, even the blameless, has good and bad experiences in life and even face death unless Jesus returns first (Job 1:1-22; 2:1-10; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 50-58; Genesis 3:1-24; Hebrews 9:27-28). God doesn’t cause anyone to sin, but he did give people free choice to obey him or not (James 1:13-15; Genesis 2:15-17; 1 John 2:15-17; Romans 6:16). He also gives everyone good things so we’ll be attracted to his love and grace in salvation (James 1:16-18; Matthew 5:45; John 3:16; Acts 17:25-27; Titus 2:11-14). He’ll even keep us from sinning if that’s our desire (1 Corinthians 10:13; Genesis 20:1-18).

Whenever trouble comes, we should consider its purpose as a blessing or warning because we’re to view all trouble in light of bringing glory to God (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:1-5). Christians should examine themselves constantly regarding sinful influences, but especially every Sunday before taking communion (Lamentations 3:40; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:28-32; Acts 20:7). If we’re honestly doing that, it’s not likely we’re being disciplined as God’s children. So, we can focus on the good that can come from our troubles.

First, those who survive COVID are contributing to herd immunity. Second, because God always does things at the right (best) time, perhaps they got COVID when they were healthy enough to survive and acquire immunity so they wouldn’t get it during a more at-risk state of health. Regarding those who die for any reason, including COVID, the rest of us should remember just how fleeting life can be (Job 14:1-2; Psalm 39:4-5; James 4:14). We should examine ourselves, working out our salvation with fear and trembling (as God actually does the work of salvation in us) to be found blameless so when this earthly life is over, everything will finally turn out for our good (Philippians 2:12-15; Colossians 2:9-14, 20; 3:1-4; Romans 6:3-11).

Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected]