Well, it finally happened. Nearly a year into the pandemic, I tested positive for COVID. Now it has always occurred to me that someday I would probably get it. As a pastor I am naturally going to be around those that are sick, but I haven’t been standing in line to get this virus either. And before you ask - No, I have no idea where I picked it up. I’ve been to hospitals, schools, stores, church and other places. While I have never been in hiding throughout this pandemic, I do take reasonable precautions. When I’m in settings that require it, I wear a mask. Every time I leave from a visit somewhere, I use hand sanitizer. What I do know is that God chose for me to have this virus at this point in time.

So far, it just feels like a flu or bad cold. I’m tired and achy, but I don’t have a fever and am still able to keep up with most of my work (although it is taking me a bit longer!) I realize that the virus hits everyone differently. I also know that complications can develop quickly, so I’m making reasonable efforts to follow the doctor’s orders.

Fear has gripped our nation over this virus. We worry about what might happen or how it might affect us if we get sick. I have known several people who have died from this virus. For some, it can be very serious. I’ve never worried about getting sick, but neither have I taken a cavalier attitude towards it either. We do have an obligation to keep from spreading it to others as best as we can. But an attitude of fear flies in the face of the persuasion that Paul expresses in Romans 8:38. He tells us that we can face “death”, “life”, “things present”, and “things to come” because of our confidence in a God who loves us. God is in control of who gets the virus and how badly they will be affected. Our confidence is in His love for us – and “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).

Where is faith at a time such as this? It is not in some blind hope that I will feel better soon. It is not that the pandemic will soon be over. While I fully expect this to run it’s course, it could take a turn for the worse. No, my faith is not in the outcome – it is in the experience, in the truth found in Romans 8:39. That truth is that I am NEVER separated from the love of Jesus Christ my Lord. This is a hard concept for many to grasp. But the truth is that He has appointed this trial at this time according to His love!

This scripture assures me that God is showing His love to me right now in the midst of the trial I’m going through. Trials are not just something we are supposed to survive and hope we learn some lesson through. No, our faith is in the fact that our God still loves us THROUGH our trials. His love carries us through, giving us something to rely upon, and offer the confidence that HISS WILL can be accomplished through our trials! I can’t presume to explain how or why God sometimes chooses to have us face difficulties, disease, or even death – but I can be assured from the Scriptures that they do not happen by chance. Our God is in control, has chosen this, and it is the most loving thing for me right now. So, yes, I’m positive! I’m positive with COVID, but I’m even more positive that this is how God has chosen to express His love for me and I can depend on His love to get me through each day.