The up’s and down’s of life. Boy, can things change in a moment! It wasn’t too long ago that the stock market was booming, unemployment was at record lows, wages were on the rise, and people were going to work.

We made plans to do this or that. Maybe we booked a cruise, made plans for a European vacation, or just scheduled a trip to see friends. I was looking forward to watching a granddaughter play tee-ball and a grandson play soccer. Life was GOOD!

But life is also fickle. It seems that almost over night conditions changed. One virus sent the good life into a tailspin. The stock market is crashing, people are being laid off left and right, and people are worried about where all of this will end. Our plans have been put on hold or canceled altogether.

The world is going through a difficult time, with uncertainty, trepidation and hardships due to the effects of a deadly disease. We do not make light of these events nor are we unsympathetic toward those who have and are suffering directly. The truth is, it has affected most of us to some degree.

While much of the world is reacting without a biblical faith in God, God’s Children have a true faith based on an accurate understanding and obedience to His Word. It is calming and peaceful even during the most trying times. (Phil. 4:6-7) We are able to put the trials of this life in proper perspective and understand that they work for our good if we love God. (Rom. 8:28) And, to love God is to keep His commandments. (1 John 5:2-3)

Troubles from natural disasters, pandemics, and man’s own evil choices are not new nor unique to us. When sin came into this world, so did the troubles of society. Consider the words of Christ, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences (plague or disease, emphasis. mine), and earthquakes in various places.” (Matt. 24:7)

Should we try to mitigate the severity of these events when they come? Absolutely! We need to do so as much as we reasonably can. But knowing there is something more than this life gives us the perspective of what is eternally important. Nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God.” (Rom. 8:37-39)

Terry Starling