Comeback from COVID

For over a year, COVID has wreaked havoc on our communities and our lifestyle. Everything has been turned upside down. Health issues have been paramount. Many have contracted COVID. Numerous families have lost loved ones to the virus. The illness and deaths have highlighted the dangers of COVID.

To mitigate the spreading of the virus, many parts of our lives have changed. Working from home has become more frequent for some. Not allowing large gatherings at sporting events, concerts, and even church for the longest time has shaped how we spend our time. Many people have lived in isolation, which has had an enormous impact on depression and loneliness rates. Life has been different.

Can we come back from COVID? Can we learn some things from the journey? I think the answer to both of those questions is “yes.”

In Genesis, we read about one of our heroes of the faith, Joseph. Joseph had some COVID-like experiences. He did not get sick, but he did face similar challenges.

First, Joseph did not deserve to be treated like he was treated by his brothers. They were jealous of Joseph being their dad’s favorite son. So, they sold Joseph into slavery and told their dad that he was killed by a wild animal. Being carted off to Egypt where he was separated from everything and everyone he knew had to be lonely for Joseph.

Finally, he faced struggle after struggle from being falsely accused to being imprisoned and forgotten while in prison. Joseph faced some of the same feelings that we have felt during COVID.

What can we learn from Joseph’s experiences? Genesis 50:19-20 reports what Joseph told his brothers who were afraid that Joseph would seek revenge on them for their actions: “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result — the survival of many people.” This is a powerful response that teaches us some important truths.

First, we do not have to fear. Whatever life brings, we can trust that God will take care of us. Even during COVID, if we have a connection to God through Christ, He will handle it. We do not have to be afraid.

Second, God is sovereign. Joseph asks, “Am I in the place of God?” He is saying, “Am I someone to question what God chooses to do?” Though the question is rhetorical, we know that Joseph’s answer would be “no, I am not God.” Joseph learned to trust that God knew what He was doing. We can have that same trust.

Third, God brings good from the bad. Joseph saw God’s big plan that saved Joseph’s family during a famine. What good will God bring from COVID? I’m not sure. But, I know He will.

COVID has been tough. But, walking with God trusting Him will allow us to make were a comeback from COVID.

(Questions/Responses? jeff.perkins@mbclife.org)