“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). Some people think when bad things happen in their lives, they are being punished by God. Do you think that way? Especially in light of the Covid-19 Pandemic, many are now looking within and taking a retrospective view of their behavior for the first time, which is not a bad thing to do. The Bible does tell us to examine ourselves. But are you one who thinks, “God must be mad and allowing this terrible sufferings in ‘my life’ because I may have done wrong?” None of us possess an all seeing eye, nor is the judge of right and wrong. But let me encourage you, if you have sinned, repent. For indeed unrepentant sin brings forth punishment. But God is faithful to forgive us of our sins. The point of this post, however, is to encourage you that when bad things keep happening in your life, it is not always the result of sin. Just keep praying no matter what happens. Briefly, let’s consider a few of the biblical characters that experienced bad things in their lives.

Job was a righteous man. Was he being punished because tragedy after tragedy kept occurring in his life? Clearly, Job was in his own pandemic; He lost all except his faith, his life, and his wife. Remember, Job also lost 10 children in one day! Was Jeremiah being punished when he was thrown into the deepest part of the dungeon for preaching the Word of God? What about Daniel, who was thrown into the lion’s den for praying? How about the three Hebrew boys; Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego, who refused to bow to the king’s command? As a result, they were tossed in the burning fiery furnace. Surely, Scripture bares record that these men were not being punished because of the bad things that happened to them. They were men of faith willing to suffer for the cause of Christ. Like them, Scripture speaks of many more.

But there was another in particular. One who stood above the rest and was subject to like passions as we are, but did no wrong. His name is Jesus and He lives today. He is Savior. Was God punishing Him when He was ridiculed, spat on, whipped, pierced, died, and was buried? Absolutely not! Instead Jesus willingly took on the punishment for our sin. He was God, wrapped in flesh and sinless; yet allowed wrong to be done to Him that we might have life eternal. In view of this, no matter the cause of the pandemic you maybe  personally facing, when perilous times comes think on Jesus. Definitely repent if you have sin in your heart, and be thankful Jesus paid the price of sin’s punishment for everyone.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

I will keep on thanking God that although bad things do happen, those that trust in Him can find rest for their soul. Dear Lord, I thank You for your assurance that You have forgiven me and took on the punishment for my sin. In times of trials, I can still rest, in Jesus name, amen. By Hertistine Washington/keeponthanking,com

***Lifting prayers for all who risk their lives during the Covid-19 Pandemic and all  families affected.