Things I have learned having COVID19: God uses everything that occurs in our lives to draw us to Himself in relationship.

5 You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.

To pray for God to keep us from getting COVID is to ask Him to not use the very thing that He may be planning to use to draw us into a closer and deeper walk with Him. At the same time, He wants to hear our hearts–but then, for us to trust Him for whatever comes next.

We forget that He wants us with Him in glory. That is HIS goal for us (John 17:24). In the meantime, as long as He has plans for us to further His kingdom in this world and to learn to walk with Him in Spirit and in truth, we are bulletproof–until He says otherwise, and as long as we do things His way. Notice I did NOT say that we wouldn’t suffer, only that we will not die until He is ready to receive us. Even our deaths bring Him glory.

1. We have no fear of death because He has defeated death! 1 Corinthians 15:54-58.
2. We have no fear of pain:
   1. Our bodies are designed to “shut down” when pain reaches a certain level. We go into shock; we can still function at a certain level, but the pain is muted.
   2. I believe that there is a thinning of the veil between heaven and earth in times of extreme pain. Our souls experience a taste of glory, which mitigates the pain. We see it in Stephen when he is stoned (Acts 7:55-60).
3. We have no fear of uselessness. To be limited to prayer alone is NOT a punishment, but a liberation! From that point on, we commune with our LORD on an ever-deepening level that moves us into oneness with Him. In fact, there may be a point when even consciousness is abandoned in relation to this communion. We have no idea what goes on spiritually when a person is in a coma. My hope is that the LORD is doing a deep work with that person’s soul.

It is interesting to realize that the universe goes on without me. I yearn to get back to leading, singing, teaching, and playing with my grandchildren, but I also understand that the LORD has plans for me that go beyond my understanding. I simply want to learn all I can from everything I go through. God doesn’t waste any opportunity; I don’t want to, either.

Abba, my whole experience with COVID has been typical; for that I am grateful. May I come out of this sickness with a better understanding of You, of suffering, the plight of humanity, and the salvation/restoration You have in store for those who love You and for creation. May our sites be a little more focused on You and Your Plan as we deal with COVID. Amen.