The Pandemic Through Spiritual Eyes

After the 2008 financial crisis, the U.S. government began to regulate and set higher capital requirements (or standards) in the banking system. The intent of the regulations was to create liquidity and better capitalized balance sheets, but what really happened was a mass failure of national banks. Nearly 470 banks could not meet the higher standard set by the FDIC (before that time only a few banks had “failed”). The assets of these banks were seized and then acquired by a stronger, well capitalized bank. It was a consolidation of assets.

In prayer the other day, the Lord allowed me to see this same scenario (but in a spiritual content) playing out in our world today. God is raising a higher standard in His Church and there will be consolidation of His people. The pandemic has just been a means to accomplish it.

Through fleshly eyes, we may question God as to why people have to suffer and die is this manner, but through spiritual eyes, there is a different perspective; an understanding that we are in the times of the parable when the “tare will be separated from the wheat.” (Matthew 13:24-30). Jesus is preparing His Church for the Great Harvest simply by raising a standard.

Look around, how many churches have voluntarily closed or have modified their services? How many Christians are living in fear and in isolation – ensnaring their own-selves for the roaring lion? 1 Peter 5:8 (AMV) tells us, “Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” Remember he who seeks to destroy does his best work when we are vulnerable and separated from the herd.

Don’t be sifted as Satan desires (Luke 22:31). Submit yourselves to the Lord and allow Him to mold you into His masterpiece. Don’t be marred clay (Jeremiah 18:1-6). His works are good and will bring holiness in your life. “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

The pandemic is only the beginning of a trial for the Church. Daniel 11:35 tells us that there is still more to come; “And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge them, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” This will be a significant trial – a determination of our eternal resting place. We must put on the whole armor of God if we expect to endure until the end (Ephesians 6:11-18).

Even in crisis and heartbreak, the goodness of the Lord always prevails. Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” The true believer (as well as the lost) will be seeking refuge! God’s Church will be unified and powerful just as it has been prophesied. We will see the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!

Lord, I pray you strengthen your people. Give us wisdom, and help us to see with spiritual eyes. Bind us in unity for your will and your purpose. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.