During a crisis, it is difficult to see any form of good because you are usually traumatized.

The entire world is facing an unprecedented situation at the same time. As a result, fear and panic reaction are compounded because it appears as if the world is coming to an end.

If a hurricane devastated a country, the other unaffected countries will pool together to send supplies and relief to help the affected country.

However, if a natural disaster such as an earthquake shakes the entire earth such that every country and territory is affected then there will be no one to help the other.

What will happen then?

And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:6-8)

The above verses give the impression that if disasters and troubles are sporadic meaning they occurred in different places at various times then it is the beginning of sorrows, but it is not the end of the world.

Although the coronavirus pandemic is worldwide and it is negatively affecting certain areas of society we have not reached the point of global devastation of human infrastructure.

Therefore, life must continue because this is not the end. Consequently, we must seek to find the good in this current crisis to survive.

Whenever there is tragedy or catastrophe there will always be negative emotional factors surfacing. These include the following.

1.  Fear and panic attacks resulting in overspending and stockpiling. Fear and panic will also lower your immune system thus making you more susceptible to catching the virus.

2.  A crisis may bring out the worst in people causing greed and selfishness.

3.  The religious spirit manifests itself greater among Christians during a crisis. Some people accuse others of not having enough faith in God and are acting out of fear in obeying the government’s warning.

Remember, there is a thin line between fear and faith and those who are accusing others of been fearful may just be the ones who are fearful. So it is best that we examine ourselves individually.

James 2:14 – 26 says faith without works is dead. Therefore, ignoring the precautionary measures because you believe that you can pray the disease away will not work.

You need to pray and take the necessary precautions.

Finding the good in this pandemic crisis

1.  Confidence in the power of God

Be confident in God because He has not given you the spirit of fear but love, power, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

2.  Quality time

This temporary confinement to your home is an excellent time to spend quality time with yourself to reflect and meditate.

If you have done anything that is not pleasing to God now is the perfect time to seek Him in repentance and He will forgive you.

Today is the day of Salvation. Listen to the voice of the Lord and do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:15).

If someone has done you wrong now is the time to ask the Lord to help you to forgive them.

3.  Family bonding.

This may be the first time that all the family members are together under one roof.

Therefore, make use of this opportunity to come together in love and unity. Create games and activities that you can do together as a family.

4.  Rest and more rest.

Yes, confinement to your home will force you to rest and refresh.

5.  Cleanliness and hygiene.

The risk of getting this virus will force people to pay more attention to their personal hygiene.

6.  Rejoice in the Lord!

Regardless of what is happening around you, it is not the end of the world. Therefore, you can rejoice in the Lord knowing that He will protect and provide for you during this pandemic.

7.  Be prepared!

Educate your self and then teach your children how to become self-reliant.

This means that you teach them how to be independent of technology by teaching them how to grow food in your backyard, how to cook and bake nutritious food, making your own clothes and essential household supplies, natural and homemade remedies, etc.

YouTube is pack with people called Prepsteaders who are teaching about survival skills in the event of a global disaster.

As Christians, this is a time to prepare your heart and life for the coming of the Lord. Ensure you are ready like the five wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).

Jesus told us the signs that will appear before His return.

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31)

We will always see signs upon the earth that indicate that the coming of Christ is near.

However, when you see the signs that Jesus specified above in the heavens then immediately you will see the glorious appearance of the Son of Man as He burst through the sky.

This will be the end of the world as we know it!

The Lord will immediately remove His elect from the four winds (corners) of the earth before He poured out His judgment upon the unrepentant.

Other References

Rejoicing in the Lord in times of crisis – Habakkuk 3; Isaiah 46:9-10; Romans 8:28-29; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18. 

Overcoming fear – Isaiah 35:4; Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Joshua 10:25; Matthew 10; Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18; Revelation 1:17; Revelation 2:10.

Protection of the saints – Psalms 27; Psalms 90 -91

Being prepared – Matthew 25; 2 Thessalonians 2; James 5:7-8. 

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. (Habakkuk 3:17-19)