Print 
PDF
More than 60% of American believers, of all faiths, feel that God is speaking through this coronavirus pandemic.
Most generally believe that God is telling humanity to change how they are living.
What specifically might God be saying to us?
Be informed.
The University of Chicago Divinity School and the Associated Press have published a study about how people feel about the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 60% of people from all faiths believe God is speaking to us through this tragedy.
Among those who believe in God, 31% feel strongly that the virus is "a sign of God telling humanity to change."
A brief overview of how our faith shapes our feelings about the virus pandemic.
Generally, people of all faiths believe (60%) that God is speaking through the virus.
Evangelical Protestants (43%) are more likely than others to believe strongly that God is speaking.
Blacks of all beliefs are more likely than other ethnic groups to feel God is speaking--blacks (47%), Latino (37%), and white (27%).
There's much more data in the study, but this is a quick look at what people are thinking.
What do we believe God is saying?
Stephen Curtis Chapman, the most awarded artist in Christian music history, believes the Lord is telling us to come together. In fact, he's just released a new song titled, "Together," because he feels so strongly about the message, he believes God has spoken to his heart.
Country star Brad Paisley worked with him on producing the song.
On a deeper level, Chapman says he believes God is saying,
"Will you really trust me? Will you trust that I do not just have you on my radar but that I have you written on My heart, in the palm of my hands, that I know the number of hairs on your head."
He recounts the loss of their daughter, and how God has been faithful through the great loss.
Chapman says, "You don't have to say, 'Hey cheer up, put on a happy face', it's about the God who says 'Bring it all to me, bring the confusion, bring the fear, bring the questions'."
40% of American families have re-evaluated public school and are considering homeschooling.
Real Clear Opinion Research has found that 40% of families are now "more likely" to homeschool their children after the lockdown ends.
John Schilling, the president of the American Federation of Children, says:
"Every single family with kids in school has been incredibly disrupted by the lock downs. With 55 million students no longer in their normal educational setting, families are clearly considering new options and many are seeing the benefits of homeschooling and virtual schooling."
Deuteronomy 6 is very clear that God intends we take responsibility for educating our children:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength...And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."
God never intended for the state to raise and educate your children. Maybe God is asking you to reconsider who educates your children.
Some personal thoughts.
In reflecting on what God is saying through this coronavirus pandemic, it occurred to me that sometimes God is simply saying "Stop!" "Think!" "Choose whom you will serve."
It's still almost inconceivable to think that the most powerful, prosperous, and free nation in the history of the world was, over a 24 hour period, stopped. Told to stand down. Stay home. Everything closed.
In another era, the prophet Jeremiah told the people of his nation to "Stop!" "Stand still." Because they were walking down the wrong path.
Jeremiah said,
"Stand in the ways and see. And ask for the old paths, where the good way is. And walk in it: There you will find rest for your souls."
I'm sick and tired of hearing the word "progressive" used to define backward thinking, out of touch, regressive ideas. And politicians.
There's nothing "progressive" about celebrating some of the rituals of the ancient god Baal, as we kill our unwanted unborn children.
There's nothing "progressive" about trying to redefine marriage---an institution God Himself created. There's nothing progressive about celebrating those things that God has called an abomination.
It isn't progressive to follow other failed countries down the crooked path of socialism, ultimately ending in the dustbin of history.
When Jeremiah made his proclamation to God's people, offering rest for their souls, they paused and said: "We will not walk in it."
This pandemic may well be a dress rehearsal for what lies ahead. Jeremiah told them there would be watchmen...saying "listen to the trumpet," but they said, "We will not listen."
In this year of 2020, the greatest test of America's identity since the times of Abraham Lincoln lies on the public altar of a national election.
We face a crossroad that will catapult our nation in one direction or the other. The one is the "old way"---the way of our Founding Fathers---Judeo-Christian principles. The other? The way of destruction in the name of progress.
CS Lewis said:
“We all want progress. But progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turn then to go forward does not get you any nearer. If you are on the wrong road progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man. There is nothing progressive about being pig-headed and refusing to admit a mistake. And I think if you look at the present state of the world it's pretty plain that humanity has been making some big mistakes. We're on the wrong road. And if that is so we must go back. Going back is the quickest way on.”
The prophet said, "Ask for the old paths."
I believe God is waiting to see what the people say.
Pray for America. Pray for the President. And the Vice President.
Be Informed. Be Vigilant. Be Faithful. Be Prayerful.