COVID-19 AND THE URGENT NEED FOR PROPER PERSPECTIVE

COVID-19 AND THE URGENT NEED FOR PROPER PERSPECTIVE
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 by TRINA BRESSER MATOUS

Categories: devotional

PLEASE WELCOME

TRINA BRESSER MATOUS

DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY

But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses.
They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt
to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” ~Ex.17.3

There’s no doubt thirst can be a powerful force. It doesn’t take very many days for the body to start shutting from lack of water. From the perspective of potential death, it is easy to see why the Israelites were grumbling and so demanding.

At this point in the Israelites’ journey, they had seen God work in miraculous ways on their behalf, including:

Being protected from the angel of death who killed the firstborn of all their Egyptian neighbors, both human and livestock, during the final plague. (Ex. 12.29)

Leaving Egypt with silver, gold jewelry, and clothing. (Ex 12.35-36)

Miraculously escaping Pharaoh when he changed his mind about allowing the people to leave. (Ex. 14.15-31)

Having their need for food met by quail and bread raining down from heaven. (Ex. 16.11-18)

The people grumbled and complained because they couldn’t see any further than their immediate need for water. Had they been able to broaden their perspective, they would have realized God had taken care of their needs each step of their journey.

Broader Perspective

In many ways, the Israelites’ narrow focus on satisfying their thirst is not much different from the sudden narrow focus most of the world has on COVID-19. Phrases such as self-quarantine, social distancing, and community spread are invading our vocabulary. In the United States, after a dire several months, things are looking better. Yet reports of spikes in numbers of COVID cases are cause for concern and creating anxiety for many.

In the midst of what is happening, it is important to remember what the Israelites failed to comprehend. God is in the midst of what we are experiencing. For believers especially, we can look back at the ways God has been leading, guiding, and providing for us.

Events such as COVID-19 are invitations to trust God, to trust that He will continue to do what He has been doing for us and millions of others over thousands of years. It is a time to remember how God has worked in our lives, to resist panic, and rest in how God will work in our future.

ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN LIVING BIBLE STUDY SERIES

The Christian Living Bible Study Series is designed to assist readers in their relationship with God, help them understand difficult passages, shed new light on familiar verses, and gain an appreciation for statements made within the confines of ancient cultural practices. Through these books, readers not only learn about the life and work of Jesus Christ, but also personally experience the love, grace, mercy, and redemption offered by the Father through the sacrifice of His Son. Learning more about the history and purpose of each verse will enable readers to grow in wisdom and knowledge.

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ABOUT TRINA BRESSER MATOUS

Trina has a Masters of Arts in Christian Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary and is a passionate Bible teacher and writer. For over 20 years, she has shared Biblical truths in compelling and memorable ways as a Bible study leader and a member of the Restorative Prayer Team at her church. Her trip through Turkey visiting historic sites including Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Haran and Antioch, as well as two trips to Israel’s holy sites bring reality to Trina’s teaching and writing.

Additionally, Trina is an avid birder, loves to cook, travel, work in her garden, and knit.

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