“When life piles up and you’re feeling overcome
Stand still and believe, I won’t let you drown
When a cry’s in your throat, watching all the waves below
Lift your eyes to the sky and trust that I won’t pass you by
Fear not
If I could say it any louder, I would”
~ Kristene Dimarco
People all over the world are in panic mode. Governments are shutting down their borders to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), millions are in quarantine, all activities and non-essential businesses have been closed, and many are losing their jobs. This virus has become a pandemic, and the world is reacting in a multitude of different ways.
There are four kinds of people right now:
- Those who are panicking and buying everything they can get their hands on before locking themselves in their homes.
- Those who think this is all hyped by the media and remain spectators in this debacle.
- Those who are preparing because survival is key and they can’t trust humanity.
- Those who are continuing to go out despite regulations and are pretending that everything is normal.
Which person are you in this time of unrest?
When I began writing this post, Israel was just beginning to react to the spread of COVID-19; however, since last Sunday, each day has brought new regulations and measures to ensure the virus’ containment.
Last Saturday, as the sun went down and Shabbat came to a close, my mom and I felt the Lord tell us that we needed to prepare for the coming days. So, we got in the car and drove to the grocery store before they opened. When we arrived, there was already a line outside! It wasn’t until I saw how many people had congregated to get supplies that I realized how serious this situation was. The Coronavirus had arrived on our doorstep, and it was time to be ready for whatever news was to come.
Since my family and I want to eat a balanced diet and not have to rely on canned food for sustenance, after going shopping, my mom and I spent two days making meals that could go in the freezer. The purpose of this was to ensure that we would not have to go to the store regularly and were able to keep our produce fresh, keeping our bodies strong until the nation is reactivated.
Believers are not called to walk in a spirit of fear; instead, we must put our trust wholly in Yeshua. However, while we walk in the belief that God is in control, we must remain wise when it comes to pandemics and government restrictions. These are significant times, and as we stand in faith, we cannot stay on the sidelines anymore and must prepare in case there is a lockdown.
I do not believe this virus is a sign that Yeshua will be returning in the coming year, though we are getting closer. That said, I do think that Matthew 25 is a key lesson in preparing for the coming times. In the parable, Yeshua talks about 10 virgins. Five of them were prepared and called wise, while the other five ran short of oil while they awaited the bridegroom.
Matthew 25:6-10, “And at midnight a cry was heard; ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.’”
Whatever your stance is on the Coronavirus, we cannot ignore what our nation’s governments are doing and need to take action so our family will have the necessary supplies if we are to go on lockdown. Preparation done too late brings demand. Let’s be like the five wise virgins who brought extra oil while awaiting the Messiah’s return!
Also, at this time, rather than spending our days’ binge-watching Netflix or making TikTok videos, let’s spend time in the Word, praying, and seeking God’s face! The world needs to hear about the Messiah now more than ever, and we have the amazing platform of social media to do just that!
1 Timothy 4:12-14, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”
