Photo | Unsplash/Diana Simumpande
In light of all the events that have taken place since the global outbreak of the coronavirus, we have heard the world ask the church “Where is your God?”
Of course this is not new, throughout history, we have seen that mockers don’t limit their disdain to God alone, but extend it to His people as well, once the unexpected happens. In Psalm 42:3-10, David said,”My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, “Where is your God?”
In the Old Testament, we see that prophet Jeremiah became “the laughingstock of all peoples” and was “the object of their taunts all day long” (Lamentations 3:14). The good news is this, God vindicated him.
I want to remind you today that we serve a God of the impossible. There is nothing that He cannot do.
I love what the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu told media reporters as he enacted new and more restrictive measures to combat the coronavirus. He said, “We survived Pharaoh, and though the battle will be hard and uncompromising, we will also survive corona.”
In March, USA Vice President Mike Pence received criticism from a major media house and some on the political left after the White House released a picture of him praying with the nation’s coronavirus task force. He didn’t let the criticism put him down.
I want you to know that Jesus cares and that He is bigger than the Coronavirus. Nothing takes our God by surprise, that should give us great confidence. To gain peace, we must go deeper in Him. Regardless of what the mockers say, stand firm in faith, and trust the word of God.
The Bible encourages us to pray in earnest (Luke 18:1–8; Philippians 4:4–6). If the Spirit moves you to pray or fast for healing, do so with fervor. If the Spirit moves you to pray for divine wisdom or knowledge upon healthcare professionals, do so. If the Spirit moves you to lend a helping hand, step out and do so with great joy.
Kathryn Butler, a regular contributor for Desiringgod.org revealed through her article ‘If God Doesn’t Heal You’, how time and again the Bible depicts instances when God does not immediately eradicate what we depict as suffering, but rather engages with it for good (Genesis 50:20; John 11:3–4; Romans 5:3–5).
So, how should Christians respond when their faith is mocked? Here are some helpful tips from J. Lee Grady, a christian author and editor of Charisma magazine.
1. Don’t get defensive.
We should not be shocked when non-Christians mock our faith. Jesus was mocked when He was crucified, and He told us that people would hate us because we follow Him… I don’t live for the world’s approval, and it’s crazy to expect people who have not had a personal encounter with Christ to respect my faith or applaud my morality.
Second Peter 3:3 says in the last days, “mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts.” A common characteristic of this fallen world is mockery. Unbelievers sometimes mock God, take His name in vain, attack the Bible, make fun of churches and ridicule anyone who follows Jesus. Persecution should never come as a surprise to you. Don’t be shocked when it happens!
2. Never lash out in anger.
In this world of social media outrage and shout-a-thon talk shows, we Christians think we have the right to jump in the ring and scream like everyone else to prove our point. But that wasn’t Jesus’ strategy when He was arrested, stripped naked, scourged and interrogated. When Jesus was being reviled, 1 Peter 2:23 says, “He did not revile back; when He suffered, He did not threaten.”
Jesus either answered plainly or kept His mouth shut. He trusted the Father to vindicate Him. If you are mocked for your faith, keep your cool. Don’t let angry people push your button. God will give you wise words to say if you let His love control your tongue.
3. Pray for them.
Jesus said we must (1) love those who attack us and (2) pray for them. Praying for those who are hostile to your beliefs will enable you see them from God’s perspective. He loves people—even those who mock Him. So should we. After you’ve corrected your attitude, you are more likely to say words that are inspired by the Holy Spirit.
