COVID-19 has changed the entire world. Nothing will ever be the same again, expect for Jesus Christ. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). One of the things that I feel like has been shaken and changed the most during this pandemic is the structure of the Christian Church. Because COVID-19, majority of the Christian Churches around the world have to operate virtually now. The days of waking up late and rushing to get to church on Sunday morning is over. Now you can lay in your bed and pick from a plethora of different church services you want to attend or watch! My, my, my how things have changed! Some say for the worse, but I say for the better.
The bible teaches us in Romans 8:28 that all things that happen in our lives (good and bad) work together for our good and happens according to God's will. While many pastors and members in the body of Christ hate the fact that churches are being deemed as "non-essential" and having to close their doors because of COVID-19, I think it is the best thing that has ever happened to the church. Many people who profess themselves to be Christians were only going to church because of religious tradition. Outside of the Sunday services and occasion bible studies they attended, they never spent in quality time with God on their own. They could quote Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you", but knowing the Word and practicing is different two things. Apostle Paul says be a doer of the Word, not just an hear (James 1:22).
COVID-19 has exposed the wheat from the tares. It has revealed those who know of God versus those who know God. Just because you go to church does not mean you know God. To know God means you have a personal, intimate relationship with Him. It means you spend frequent time in His presence and His Word. It also means you have a strong and faithful prayer and worship life. Most people who call themselves Christians can't say that. And if they can't say that, then I question why they call themselves Christians?
COVID-19 is exposing the the saints from the aints. It is even exposing spiritual leaders who had made themselves idols and their church members followers of them versus followers of Christ. The truth is being revealed. So tell me, has COVID-19 exposed you? Do you have a personal relationship with God. Do you know Him or do you know of Him? The ones who knew Him did get upset when churches had to close their doors because of COVID-19. They did not worry, fret, or complain. They just kept doing what they had always been doing and that is spending time with God and trusting in His Word that , "Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed, you will remain unscathed and unharmed. How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?" (Psalm 91:7, 11).
Understand, God never intended for believers of Christ to just worship Him in a church building. The Gospel of Christ was never meant to be just contained between the four walls of a sanctuary or building. Jesus told His disciples to,"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15). By church being virtual now, it is allowing more people to hear about the Gospel of Christ! Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Periscope have allowed people all over the world to hear the Good News and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. So in my opinion, COVID-19, is an evil thing God has turned into a blessing. Remember, God is control! Oh Rona did not catch Him by surprise!
For His children who know of Him, this pandemic is allowing them the opportunity to get to know Him and develop a personal relationship with Him. God said in Hosea 6:6, He does not want our sacrifices or offerings. He wants our love and for us to Get to know Him intimately. Beloved, do you know God intimately? Knowing scriptures and being a regular church member does not mean you know God. The Holy Spirit instructed me to write this post to spark a personal revival in you. Even if you think you know God, God says seek Him more. Deepen your relationship with Him. Now is the time.
I thank God for His patience, mercy, and grace. I thank God that He doesn't punish us the way our sins deserve. I thank God that COVID-19 has allowed the Gospel of Christ to be preached and spread across the world through various social media platforms. While, I pray for the virus to end, I know that God wouldn't allow it without a greater purpose and one of those purposes is to expose those that know Him versus those who know of Him. Beloved, it's time for you to know Him. It's for you draw closer to God. It is for you to really be a doer of His first commandment and show Him through your actions that you love the Him with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:38).
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