Now we know what it feels like in the Bible, during the Middle Ages, and during any major natural disaster…pestilence, plague, and pandemic. All starting with the letter “P” and all so destructive to human life. Have we learned anything from COVID-19, or are there still people who think this last year was a hoax? It’s been hard to stay in the house, wear a mask, constantly wash our hands, and stay six feet apart, but think of all those families who have lost loved ones. Think of those who died alone, with no one able to stay “good-bye.” Or for those of us who have no one, the stark reality of loneliness that almost tore us apart. Thank God for our medical personnel and first responders who laid everything on the line for us. Let’s not forget to thank God for all He did to make sure we do survive.
During these difficult times, I have gone to my Father, and I continue to look up to Him for the promises of Easter. Without many knowing it, He has faced COVID-19 with us with a silent, and at times, loud voice. For those who have prepared for our final moments here on earth, there is no fear because we have faith in our Eternal life. When you look back on your life as you speak to God, the faithful will be able to say, “My Father carried me here.” In my final moments, whenever that will be, I will enter His kingdom singing, “Jesus Loves Me,” just as I began my life singing a beautifully pure, “Ah.”
If there is one lesson I’ve learned throughout this time, I’ve known the dark power of fear, of the unknown, of uncertainty. It crowded into my soul and created stress like at no other time in my life. At those moments, it was not God knocking at my heart; it was the devil. Every time, I pushed back and said, “No, you cannot enter.” In the silence, I felt God’s hand on my shoulder and His quiet voice saying, “Come unto me, all ye who are heavy laden, and I will give you peace.” Through the storms of fear, I knew He was by my side. He gave me the courage to say, “I’m going to be all right.”
Many scientists have said, “This was only the first pandemic. There will be more.” Maybe this time was God’s final appeal to us as a world to return to Him for our salvation, but if it was, then I can faithfully say that “Life away from God is no life at all.” God is present, and He is reaching out His hands to all of us. Only we can say, “Yes, Lord, I am yours.” He is writing His words on my heart, and I know He always walks beside me. Faith, hope, and love…the greatest of these is love.
Anna Hartt
