It is truly amazing to see the impact of COVID-19, aka Coronavirus on the entire planet! It’s staggering, something so small that it can’t be seen by the naked eye can have such a devastating impact. The Global Economy, Professional sports, the Travel industry, Stock markets all have been hit hard by the virus. While the threat may be real, I’m not going to get caught up in the fear-mongering and panic. I am, however, grateful that it’s given me a new sense of awareness in how I conduct my daily life. Washing my hands more, being more conscious of my surroundings helps me to guard against this microscopic foe.
The Apostle Paul talks about another ‘unseen foe’ and enemy out to steal, kill and to destroy:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 6:12
Although these forces may not be seen- they are real and present. Paul makes us aware not for fear or panic, but for awareness. And rather than washing our hands or wearing surgical masks- he gives us something better;
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,”
Ephesians 6:13-19
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”
2 Corinthians 10:3-5