Over the last 30 days everyone has had one common connection – COVID-19.  Whether you are rich or poor, young or old, this virus has captured everyone’s attention.  It gives common ground to all relationships, ie., family members, neighbors, friends, church members, and business associates.  

Most people are anxious about the impact of the virus for them.  It is scary.  It is life threatening.

Then there are those who believe they are “exempt”.  They are healthy, young, and the virus wouldn’t possibly impact their lives, so they think.

There is no lack for conversation.   Neighbors want to talk (of course at a safe distance).  Phone conversations are longer.  People want to talk about what is happening.

We share common thoughts.  How long will this last?  What will I do if I get sick?  What will be the financial repercussions of all of this?  Will I run out of food?  Toilet paper?  When they say it is all over, will it really be safe?

It occurred to me that at the onset, and until a sound remedy is available, that money might help with obtaining medical supplies, food supplies, perhaps even with a supply of toilet paper, but it could not purchase a cure.  

No we have to wait for the professionals to provide that.

Everyone is looking to someone in the medical/pharmaceutical community to provide THE cure.  People don’t want to be healed, temporarily.  People want this to be cured.  We want to be able to walk into a store, or shake hands, give or receive a hug, without thinking, “Am I going to be sick… and some sick again?”  

We never want to face this again.  

People are fixated on the news.  Some look at the statistics immediately upon waking, and perhaps even when sleeplessness occurs.

That made me think. What else connects every living person?

Sin.  Yes, consider sin.  Everyone is a sinner (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:23, 5:12; 1 John 5:17).  Now this is a topic that causes a ruckus!  Who wants to think of themselves as a sinner?  No one.

But God declares it so.  

Well, you might not believe in God, so you consider yourself exempt.  After all, you look at what you have done.  You compare your behavior to Hitler, or a suicide bomber, or a serial killer, or your neighbor, and you consider that you are okay.  Perhaps you have your own standard of measurement.  You believe God doesn’t exist, or if He does, that you don’t need Him.

Hmmm.  What eternal truth are you basing that on?  Ohhh.  You don’t believe in eternity, just the here and now?  What established truth are you basing that on?

I’m just saying.  Make sure that what you are basing your existence on, is really true.  

My opinion?  I think that you are running from the reality that you are a sinner.  We will go to great strides to keep ourselves from admitting we sin.  From admitting we need a cure for that sin.  We like to think we are exempt from sin.

We try various techniques to squelch our consciences:

Rationalization.  Pretending I really didn’t hurt anyone. Well, now, you see, I had to tell that “white” lie, because…  

The “Blame Game” (not new, Adam pulled that one in the garden (Genesis 3:12). 

Works – figuring I can do something good for someone rather than admitting I sinned against him or her. 

Stuffing it down.    (this eventually blows up).

What is the reason you won’t accept, and admit the truth that you are a sinner?

At age 32, I finally came face to face with this truth.  I admitted I was a sinner.  I really knew it for MANY years, but fought it using some of the above techniques.  I admitted I was unable to do anything about it.  Pride had to turn to humility. I realized I needed Jesus.  No one else could help.  No person could make me feel good about myself.  I couldn’t buy my salvation to clear my conscience, though religion told me I could.  I had to ask Jesus for forgiveness.  I had to accept His offer of eternal life.

I needed Christ’s perfect atoning sacrifice to clear my record of sin before God (Jeremiah 33:8; Romans 3:24; Hebrews 9:26).  I needed the cure only He could provide.

The best decision I ever made was when I asked Jesus to take over my life.  I submitted to His Lordship.  I wanted to be “covered by the blood of the Lamb” (Isaiah 1:18; Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 9:18, Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 10:19; Hebrews 13:12; 1 John 1:7).

Only the precious blood of Jesus Christ was able to secure the “remedy” for our sin problem. 

Once, and for all people.  This doesn’t mean that all automatically receive this precious gift.  

No.  Each individual must face the truth that he or she is truly a sinner.  Each person must humble him or herself before their Creator.  Each person must individually (no one can do this for you) ask God to forgive his or her sins.  

It doesn’t end there. 

It is as this point, we begin an amazing journey with God!  We’ve been cured of the sin problem.

This doesn’t mean that we stop all sinning immediately.  Not at all.  We begin to sin less.  We address sin more readily.  We make amends with God and others as we recognize our sin.

It would take days to share how amazing God has been to me in the last 33 years!  Never have I regretted the decision.  I’m all about moving deeper with my Lord and Savior.

It is not trouble-free.  Jesus assured us of that (John 16:33). 

We will face COVID-19’s.  We will deal with financial ruin.  We will encounter relational problems. Divorce. Babies dying. Character assassination.  Fear and panic invade our minds.  What is your trouble?

But God wants to help you with all of it.

Will you let Him?

You can start today.  Admit you are a sinner.  Humble yourself before Jesus.  Ask for His forgiveness.  Ask for healing from the wounds you carry.  Talk with Him.  Read and study the Bible.

Confused?  We have an enemy of our souls who wants to make this path seem impossible.  It isn’t.  With God, even the worst of sinners, who comes to Jesus with sincere repentance, can receive His forgiveness.

Feel unworthy?  Well, yes, you and I are unworthy.  That is the point.  Every person is an unworthy sinner.  God offers you, as He offered me, His gift of mercy and grace.  His unmerited favor.  

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23 (NIV 1984).

Will you join me in this journey with the Jesus?  

If you are hesitant, I’d be glad to talk with you.

If you are on that journey with the Lord, I’d love to hear about your journey with the Him.  Use the “Contact” tab to get in touch with me.

I’ve prayed that all who read this, will decide to accept God’s amazing gift of love.  

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV 1984).

Now, I face life, whether in illness, or financial struggles, interpersonal matters, etc., all with the power of God, who lives in me (1 Corinthians 3:16).  

I’m not fearless, but I go to the One who is.  He turns my fear to faith, and my panic to praise and prayer!

He wants to do this for you, too!  Why not let Him?

Warmly,

Donna

Copyright 2020 Donna Shappy

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