Shift

We perhaps think of Romans 8 as that chapter in God's Word that tells us that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord.  In the leadup to that climactic verse, the apostle Paul writes
this:
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;
21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

God created a world that was perfect, but because of sin, that perfection faced corruption.  We encounter sicknesses - viruses - as the result of the fallen nature of this world around us. Yet, God has placed us in this world and given us a Redeemer who enables us one day to transcend this world in anticipation of a new heaven and a new earth.  Fact is, we can become discouraged here on earth, but we have the hope of heaven and a Savior who walks with us daily to bring us His hope, His perspective, and His power.

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In 1st Peter 4, we find some words of encouragement when we face adversity, recognizing that
suffering is part of life, but our Savior who suffered gives us strength in those times. We can read:
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

One of the interesting aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic is how the "look" of the media has changed.  By the way, not necessarily the content and the approach, because you still have the media - and social media - that are, at the least, spinning narratives, and, at most, making up stories to fit a particular point of view.  So, as you might say, the mainstream media is going to media.

But, you also have commentators and reporters that are at outposts that are not their customary studios - many filing reports online via social media communication platforms.  You have those in the media who have spent time working out of their homes and some who have not been working at all.

A Faithwire story focuses in on the life and faith of one of the hosts of the morning show on the Fox News network, Ainsley Earhardt of Fox and Friends.   The story recounts how Ainsley has been leaving her home before three in the morning to go to a makeshift studio where she "remotely" co-hosts the program.

The story says that Earhardt "talked about the importance of looking for the good stuff happening around the world because 'there’s only so much negativity you can take.'” She added, "Just like I’m drawn to the good news of the Bible, I’m drawn — and everyone is, whether you’re a Christian or where your faith might be — we’re all drawn to … bringing out the positive in a really tough situation..."

Regarding the current crisis, the Fox News host says, "I just hold onto the hope and the fact that He sees the future,” adding, “I don’t understand why so many are affected by this, but I trust Him and I know that He sees the future and there is a reason.”  The article also notes:

Ultimately, even against the backdrop of such sorrow, Earhardt said it’s her faith that has carried her thus far, referencing one of her favorite verses, John 16:33, when Jesus told his disciples, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

She’s certain God is “gonna get us through this.”

I want to consider together some of the high points of this story.  The first thing is that we can look for the good. There is quite an availability of bad news during this pandemic; and exposure day after day to discouraging news can weigh us down and oppress our minds and spirits.  We can seek to balance out our intake of negative information by absorbing good news - there are many wonderful stories of courage and recovery during this time, and ultimately, we can look for God's hand, because it is certainly there.

Ainsley Earhardt says that God "sees the future and there is a reason."  Jesus promised there would be adversity and He has promised to walk with us when we face it; He instructs us to "be of good cheer."  We can't see the panoramic view of what He wants to accomplish through this crisis, but we can trust the Father of good gifts to accomplish His purposes.

Fact is, we all face changes in our lives.  Change can be inconvenient and challenging - we can rely on Him to show us how to respond to what occurs and rely on the good intent of our loving Heavenly Father.