Today, our country, and our world are experiencing an epic crisis. And we were not prepared. This disaster finally has a name — Covid-19. It is a pandemic that doesn’t discriminate. Young, old, black, white, rich or poor, are all vulnerable. Everything was shut down but essential business, schools closed, and churches became empty. Hundreds of thousands have died, and many more remain sick. Everyone is required to stay six feet apart. But there is hope. Many are now recovering, and there is a vaccine in the works.

At the height of the pandemic, when Christians could not worship in their own churches, many asked, “Where is God? Why are we left alone to suffer?” But God has not abandoned us.

John 14:1-4 (NKJV) is often read at funerals, as a way to offer comfort to The loved one’s left behind.
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

Even Jesus’ disciples had doubts about the full grace of God. After many years of traveling with Him, learning His teachings and bearing witness to many miracles, they became very troubled when He spoke of leaving them. Just like some questioning , “Where is God during this crisis?”.
In John 14:5-12, Jesus tries to reassure them they are not being abandoned.
“Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

Poor Philip is thoroughly confused and feels lost. He wanted to see the Father, so Jesus had to patiently explain to him that he’s been traveling with the Father all along.
“Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?  Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.”.

In the midst of crisis we all seek out a savior, a super hero, someone to say, “It will be ok, I’ve got this!”. But a simple prayer can offer us comfort no matter what we are facing.

Lord,
You are my Shepherd, you watch over me and tend to the needs of my heart. Help me to trust your guidance in this time of uncertainty.  It is so hard to look ahead and not see a clear vision for my future. Please help my heart to trust in your timing. Let my mind seek your will. Fill my soul with peace knowing that you are the one true God.  You are,“…my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:2, NIV).  Thank you for watching over me and all my loved ones. In your name I pray,
Amen.