As we go through the next phase of the coronavirus pandemic, we see a frightening world wondering when, yes when, things will end. That answer is known only by God. We can see in the actions, though they be commendable, but for far too many of us, it is not enough. People are buying everything in sight regardless of what the next person may need. We are being told to limit our contact with each other, and now the Governor of Louisiana wants everyone to stay home. Only those that need to be gone from home are allowed to do so. There are some, who at one time, downplayed the threat of the virus that are now diagnosed with the virus, and are living in self-quarantine. At times we don’t know if we are getting factual information, probably because some of our leaders don’t want to give us the cold hard truth. Nonetheless, the truth, no matter how it may be concealed, will eventually come to light. Many say that we are going through a storm, something that is meant to test how strong we really are. We all have gone through storms before, little one and big ones. But every now/then there comes a storm that really gets our attention. The coronavirus has been proven to be that storm. This disease has the potential to end the lives of millions all over the earth. This is something that bullets, bombs, and missiles can’t destroy. All of the gold, silver, diamonds, and paper currency can’t buy the kind of protection that we want. As noted earlier, the answer to this mystery of when this storm will pass is known only by God.

One of the things that we have learned from this storm is just how fragile we are. Yes, man has the intellectual capacity to do great things, but he hasn’t invented the “wonder pill” that can give us excellent long-term health and even longer life. God will give us only so much. Why? So, we can depend on Him, not what we can discern with the five senses. This is real, not one of those “disease movies” where a virus threatened to wipe out everyone, only for us to be saved by an unlikely hero. Perhaps the virus is also showing us that we have nowhere to run, even living on an island out in the middle of nowhere is no guarantee that one can be completely safe. It doesn’t matter how rich or powerful one nation may be over the next. A virus does not discriminate.

Gov. Edwards’ directive to Louisiana’s citizens is following suit of what we are hearing from other governmental and medical leaders as they try to protect us from the virus and from each other. We know that religious leaders are making changes that affect their congregations. Some want to defy a government directive claiming that this is infringing on their religious freedoms. Yes, faith is important, but so is common sense. The hospitals/nursing homes and other facilities are nearing their limits. We don’t need to add extra to the burdens that are already placed on the shoulders of those that care for the sick. Instead, use that other “miracle” that we can’t seem to do without and call someone to see how they are, and encourage one another. It is dark outside; the clouds are angry, and the wind is blowing. What can we do? Sleep. That’s what Jesus was doing. He was calm. God wants us to be vigilant, but He wants us to bathe in His calming presence. The storm will pass. We will get through this. Maybe not all of us, but this reporter’s prayer to us that don’t make it through, is that we know that God can. Remember, the world is watching. So is God.