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Whenever tragedy hits, it is natural to ask why God allows it. The reason I am a Christian is because–compared to all other worldviews–I am convinced that Christianity offers the best solution to the problem of evil.
Yet why questions only take us so far. As the book of Job makes clear, at some point we need to choose to trust God even when we don’t have all the answers. This is the nature of faith.
You Can Make A Positive Difference
This can be particularly challenging when we are personally suffering, which nearly all of us are (to greater and lesser degrees) because of the coronavirus. None of us asked for the pandemic, and few saw it coming. Apart from practicing “social distancing,” there is little most of us can do about it.
But we do have the power to choose how we respond. Even though our culture pushes a victimhood narrative, let’s shift our thinking to ask, “What positive difference can I make in the lives of other people in light of this terrible setback?”
Rather than dwelling on the past, let’s look to the future. Imagine if every Christian approached the quarantine this way. Can you “see” all the good that would come?
A Quadriplegic Who Changes Lives
In an episode for the Think Biblically Podcast (which will be released soon), Stephanie Gray shares a moving example of how one girl has chosen to respond to a life-changing setback. Rather than wallowing in despair, this teenage girl, who recently became a quadriplegic, chooses to make the best of her situation.
Confined to bed, she spends her time reading the daily news. When she sees people who have suffered, she uses a stick in her mouth to type out words of encouragement and consolation. Her life is not easy, but she has found meaning by asking the what question rather than dwelling on the why question.
I won’t pretend my life is nearly as challenging as hers. And although the coronavirus is a considerable setback for my speaking ministry (and family income), I realize that many people have suffered far more than I have. And yet my family has been very intentional about trying to love our neighbors amidst the coronavirus craziness.
A Next Step
If you want some practical ways to ask the what question, and learn how to love your neighbor, please consider joining me for an upcoming YouTube Live discussion with Biola University president Barry Corey. I will be interviewing him about his fantastic book Love Kindness, and we will be taking live questions.
My hope is that each of you will walk away with practical ways to ask the what question in your own life. Here’s the details:
When: Wednesday 4:30-5:30 PST
What: “Loving Our Neighbors During the Coronavirus: A Conversation with Barry Corey”
Where: Sean McDowell’s YouTube channel (Dr. Sean McDowell)
Hope to see you then!