“I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things.”
Isaiah 45:7
So much for chaos theory! God is in control. Even things that we see as calamity, like this terrible CoViD-19 pandemic that is killing hundreds of thousands worldwide, has brought modern medical science to its knees, and caused a reset of the world’s economy, is His creation.
Who would have thought that such a thing was possible? And why would God allow or even create such a thing and turn it loose on the earth? Nothing is done without a reason and a purpose, and God is good. So what is His good purpose in this?
At the very least we know that He is always seeking to turn hearts to Himself in repentance and faith. That in itself is the single best good thing that could come out of this calamity. Beyond that, is there more?
A little further along in this same chapter of Isaiah, he says, “Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior.” (verse 15)
We don’t know all the answers to the question of why God does what He does or allows what He allows. We do know that God wants us to seek His face. He hides Himself and “rewards those who seek Him.” He calls us to do that. It seems that He delights in the process.
Why? We don’t know, but that’s the way it is, and it’s good. So let’s seek His face now. Don’t miss the opportunity; let’s make the most of it.
Lord, I don’t understand so much of what You’re doing, but You have called me to seek Your face. Draw me closer to You as the world around me wonders what’s going on. As human hearts tremble in fear, let the peace of Your presence fill mine. You are the Lord, and I know the answers lie with You, so I will trust You. Amen.
Pastor Dan Giles