Apprehension, anxiety, and alarm – these are common responses to COVID-19. This new strain of the coronavirus is a global pandemic, and it is the underlying cause of much global uncertainty and disruption – even fear. Many people around the world have responded in fear. This is due to the real possibility of death, the highly contagious form of this disease, and the lack of a known cure. Responding with fear, in such cases, is a natural human reaction.

How should we as Christians respond to COVID-19? We know that it is good and necessary to take precautions. We, of course, try to follow all the advice of medical experts and our community leaders. We make every effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and do all in our power to contain and limit the problem. But, let’s also consider COVID-19 within the bigger picture of what God is doing in the world. What does the Bible say about this pandemic? How should Christians think about COVID-19, and how should we live in response?

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God’s creation is full of intelligent designs, which could only have come from the hands of an Intelligent Designer. Frequently, we fail to see these designs – until such time as we lose the use thereof. The man who becomes blind knows that he has lost his sight. The cripple knows that he has lost his balance and the ability to walk. The man with a pacemaker knows that his heart no longer maintains a steady pace. The man who has gone deaf knows that he can no longer hear without a hearing aid. It is unfortunately true that we do not appreciate God’s gifts until we have lost them. Before the loss, we take His miracles for granted. Let’s look at some of these wonderful and miraculous designs:

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Perhaps this is a reminder to us that our sufferings are indeed minor compared to the intense persecution and cruelty faced by the apostles and evangelist after Christ’s death. Let us remember our brothers and sisters in Christ who still face persecution and death today for their faith. 

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You’ve heard his name, you recognise his face – but you might not know his heart. Michael Mol is not a new face in the South African landscape, he is well-known and well-loved for his appearances on Top Billing, Expresso, Mr South Africa, and Hello Doctor, just to name a few. What you may not know about Michael, however, is that he is not just a charming face, but a deeply rooted Christian with an inextinguishable fire for Jesus that shines through everything that he does. I had the privilege to chat to him during lockdown (online interview, of course) and find out about his passions and where he is focussing his time and effort. 

…for the full article, pick up a copy of the latest issue of JOY, which is now on sale nationwide in all leading supermarkets!