Where is God in this?

Your family (or you) may be asking “Where is God during all this trouble?”

The answer is simple - He’s with you! In our minds, clouded by sin and human worry, this may seem like too easy of an answer, but when we slow down, remember the Bible and the big picture, it really is that easy.

The current fear facing the world is COVID-19, but these simple truths apply to all of life, from worldwide pandemic to a bad day at school. We need to remember for ourselves and teach those in our care that it’s okay to be upset, okay to be afraid, but also okay to look beyond the problem and know God’s love cannot be taken from us and He is always with us.

What does this look like practically in your home? First, be sure you're taking care of yourself in Word and prayer. Fear and doubt are okay, but always come back to knowing God is with you. If you're having trouble with this yourself, seek a friend or counsel who can help strengthen you so you can follow Jesus and lead your family.

Then, be honest with your family. In age appropriate ways let them know what’s happening and what’s being done about it. Let them know it is scary, but you’re trusting God and they can too. Share the Word with them. Give them hope. Take advantage of the opportunity to speak practically about being prepared, but not panicking. Remind them the same ideas apply no matter what the size of the problem: DREAM - Don’t panic, Rely on God, Evaluate the situation, Act calm (even if you’re not), Make a plan.

Nothing can separate you from the Love of God.

[Jesuse said ]“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31‭-‬39 NIV

New International Version (NIV)

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