Finding God In The Midst Of Covid-19
LAITY WEEKEND | 10 OCTOBER 2021 | TRADITIONAL SERVICE
Mr Philip Oh
Scripture Passage: Psalm 91:2 (NIV)
WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)
READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | Our omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent God is always in our midst but do we connect with Him, acknowledge and invite Him into our daily lives? The past 2 years of constant changes and interruptions to our daily lives have caused much fear and anxiety among people. By God’s grace, individuals and the church have endured and overcome the interruptions. We are encouraged by personal testimonies of church members who found peace in the midst of illness and bereavement. The Wesley Synchronised Prayer saw increased participation as members came together to pray for the world, our nation and families.
Covid-19 is a defining circumstance that can be a catalyst to help us become disciples. It drives us to think about our perspective and meaning of life. There is increased focus on cleaners, healthcare workers and migrant workers who are also loved by Jesus. Uncertainties about the future cause many to become sad and depressed, with no assurance that the pandemic will pass, having to learn to live with it and to expect another pandemic (probably a more dangerous one) in future.
Christians have hope in our Lord who is our security and refuge (Psalm 91:1-2). God has seen Wesley Methodist Church through 136 years, covering 2 world wars and some pandemics. God who is with us in the past and present will be with us in the future (Rm 8:31, 39). Our hope is not wishful thinking but confident expectation that good in the future will come because of who God is and what He has said.
Although hope comes from God, we have a part to play to join in God’s work to bring hope to each other and the world, however small it may be. We can intentionally show kindness like calling a senior, sending a message of hope, ordering food delivery for a resident in a care home. Let us respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit as we think deeper spiritually, stay connected, intercede, cling to our Rock and Redeemer, and seek to be a blessing to others. This is the time to bring hope (Rm 15:13). Hb 12 exhorts us to run our race with perseverance, fix our eyes on Jesus and play our part as God assigns us. We stay connected with other believers through discipleship and Bible Study classes, Small Groups, corporate worship, making calls or gathering together (when permitted). We practise spiritual disciplines like worship, meditation on Scriptures, prayer, silence/solitude and examen to help us draw close to God (James 4:8).
The following words from the hymn “I know who holds tomorrow” summarise our current situation very well:
“…many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand..”
(Sermon notes by Woo Choi Yin)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Read the scripture text for today’s sermon. What stood out for you as you read those scripture verses?
2. How does the passage challenge or encourage you, in the midst of Covid-19?
3. What are the implications for us through the message?
3a. What are the personal implications (for you)?
3b. What are the communal implications (for our gospel community)?
3c. What are the missional implications (for those we want to reach for Christ)?
4. Take time to pray for each other and those you have listed in Q3b.