God is sovereign over all things.

Philippians 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

This pandemic, as we have been taught to call it, is really nothing more than a device of powers and principalities (the enemy) designed for the specific purpose of separating us from one another. We’ve been taught to call that “COVID RESPONSE” and “social distancing”.

It’s funny how the devil’s tools come complete, each with its own nomenclature and terminology.

But to what end? Well, to hinder and even stop the advancement of the gospel. But our God and Savior is sovereign over all things. He not only knew this was coming, He factored it into His plan and used it for the opposite purpose. He always does that. I can’t pretend to understand it completely or explain it adequately, I can only say it’s true and point to Paul in prison and then to the cross as the best example.

Let’s look around at the creative ways and at the ends to which believers have gone in order to meet, share and hear the Word, and worship together. Think about how much effort God’s children have put into taking care of each other.

We only know what we hear and see here in the US, where some might (rightly) feel that the Government‘s COVID RESPONSE has been overreaching, even to the point of infringing on our constitutional rights.

But there are places in the world where the RESPONSE has been much farther reaching, much more drastic. Many are places where most people do not have the resources that are available in the US. But even in those places, God is good. He is sovereign. And even in those places He has been seen moving and working, giving believers the will and the ability to be used to advance the gospel, and love and be loved of each other, which is His will and plan for all of us.

I’m so blessed to say that at least 2 of the churches we’re connected to in the Philippines have found creative ways and means to minister in love to those in need. I’m also blessed to say that in this place, during a time when people are not permitted to socialize, 3 have been saved by Grace, through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord through the ministry and witness of believers. I don’t know how, and I’m not sure I want to know. But I know the people who are ministering the gospel and I have the testimony. This mission has been a part of that, so it means if you’re taking time to read this, you are probably a part of it too through giving and prayer.

The mindset of love and the life’s priority of sharing the gospel… God wants that from all of us… in spite of our circumstances… especially now. -Philippians chapters 1 & 2.

Praise God. Seek Him while He can be found. The suffering isn’t over yet, and all believers will be called upon in some way or another into ministry to this lost, dying world.