Why we have cancelled all gatherings when some Churches have not.

 

I have learned (the hard way) that there is a difference between faith and presumption. Faith is believing what God says is true to the point of acting on it; all of it.

 

I’ve learned that God can and will protect and provide for me, but I’ve also learned that He is under no obligation to get me out of every jam that I get myself into. And I cannot expect and demand that God Almighty protect me from acting irresponsibly. That makes me the master and Him the servant.

 

To those who insist on going on their merry way and expecting God to protect them when they needlessly endanger themselves (and others) without express command from the Lord, I’d ask a few practical questions.

 

Why aren’t you trusting God in all instances, not just in matters of Church?

 

Do you wear your seatbelt when you drive? Do you insist that your children are buckled up?

Do you look before crossing the street?

Do you lock your doors at night when you go to bed?

Do you have medical insurance?

Do you require corrective lenses or false teeth?

 

If so, then you can see that the Lord expects us to do what we can for ourselves and others, and to appreciate that He has provided the means necessary to do it.

 

For a more Biblical perspective I give you these Scripture references:

 

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. (Proverbs 21:31)

 

We have our part, He has His part. If we don’t do our part can we really expect Him to do His part anyway?

 

 

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,… Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Hebrews 11:33-37)

 

Faith is as much for suffering tribulations as for avoiding them. It takes faith to trust in God when our circumstances go horribly wrong.

 

 

Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. (2 Timothy 4:20)

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. (1 Timothy 5:23)

 

The Apostle Paul left Trophimus sick, and Timothy was apparently chronically ill. Do you doubt their faith?

 

 

Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (Matthew 4:5-7)

 

I’m sticking with Jesus; I’m not jumping. I have nothing to prove to anyone. The Almighty doesn’t need me to defend His existence or power; He does that Himself. (Romans 1)

Nor will I force God into a corner so that if I or anyone else gets sick it would be blamed on Him.

I will not tempt the Lord my God. And neither should you. The Church meetings aren’t going away forever, we’re just being good Citizens of both our nation and the Kingdom of God. (Romans 13)

 

So we’re doing right by our neighbors, our nation, our faith, and our Christianity by not putting anyone in harm’s way.

So stay home. Take this time to study what your faith in Christ really means to you. Spend quality time with the Lord in prayer and Bible study. Pray with compassion, power, and faith for the protection, well-being, and healing of those whom God has given you a love for.

And as the pandemic spreads keep the faith, do not give in to fear, and trust in your Lord to have His blessed will in all things, whatever that may be.

 

God Bless and keep you,

~Bro. Johnny