These are troubling days for many reasons. The fears and anxieties of a powerful new pandemic. The loss of normal life, work, and freedoms, including public worship and open fellowship as believers. As the lockdowns and stay-at-home orders are prolonged, we find it harder to be at peace and to find contentment.
As Christians, we know that God is in control and has a good purpose for His children, but we still struggle with our fears and doubts. Why did God ordain this virus now? What is His plan and purpose? How long will we have to suffer these losses? Where can we find comfort and hope in the midst of this present distress?
The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) has taught believers for over 450 years how to find the only comfort and hope there is - from God the Father by His Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Spirit. One such place is Lord's Day 10, where the Reformed teacher is explaining the work of God the Father in connection with the first article of the Apostles' Creed, "I believe in God the Father, Almighty Maker of heaven and earth." The Catechism goes on to describe the Father's amazing work of providence in these words:
Q. 27. What dost thou mean by the providence of God? A. The almighty and everywhere present power of God, whereby, as it were by His hand, He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.
Q. 28. What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by His providence doth still uphold all things? A. That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity; and that in all things which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from His love; since all creatures are so in His hand, that without His will they cannot so much as move.
Recently, one of our seminary professors, Prof. Barry Gritters, delivered a special sermon in his home church on these Q&As, from the viewpoint of Romans 5:1-5. He took as his theme, "Father's Hand Is Everywhere," and we believe you will be blessed to listen to this message of divine sovereignty and Christ-centered hope.