Have you ever had a Scripture jump off the page right into your heart? I’m sure you have! In theological terms, we refer to those times as “Kairos” moments. A “now word” from God. A word in time. A word from the throne, a promise for whatever you’re experiencing at a precise moment in time. During this pandemic, I believe God wants to give a “now word” to keep His people in check.
Recently, Matthew 8:8 spoke powerfully to me: ”And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, ‘Lord my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fully tormented.’ Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’ But the centurion said,, ‘Lord, I am not worthy for you to come under my roof, but just say the word and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go, and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.’”
“Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, ‘Truly I say to you, I have not found such greater faith with anyone in Israel’....And the man was healed that very moment.” (Matthew 8:5-10, 13).
When God speaks, things happen! Four words invaded my spirit when I read this passage. I too marveled at the centurion’s faith -- “Just say the word…” My faith was elevated when I was reminded that God is still speaking today in the middle of this Coronavirus pandemic. Like you, I need all of heaven’s encouragement I can get!
“Just speak the word…” This same God, who spoke the worlds into existence during creation, still speaks today. His creative Word formed the sun, moon stars and everything else we see. In Genesis 1, we read nine times where “God spoke.” And every time He spoke, He formed something out of nothing.
I love what the centurion said: “Just speak the word…” He evidently had seen Jesus speak other miracles into being. The spoken word in that very moment healed the centurion’s servant! This same God wants to speak into our lives today.
You too may need healing. You may wonder how you’re going to fare financially. The needs are incredible at a time like this. I need the Lord to speak into the uncertainties of my life. I want to be like Samuel, who while being mentored by the High Priest, Eli, said, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).
This is a world-wide pandemic. I believe God is speaking to responsive hearts all over the earth. Just as the Holy Spirit hovered at creation, so God is hovering over the earth, waiting with great anticipation to speak to those who fear Him. The nations seem to be reeling under fear and great anxiety. Governments remain uncertain regarding right decisions. But God is speaking. Daniel’s God is still on the throne of the universe. Daniel, an obscure man in Nebuchadnezzar’s court, was raised up to speak to the nations, and I believe God is still raising up accurate prophetic voices to guide today’s dilemma.
But understand something. You too can hear from God. He’s speaking to the world, to nations, to states, to communities, and TO YOU! Just as Jesus commanded turbulent waters to calm, he desires to speak peace into our individual lives during this time of turbulence. We have never navigated the present troubled waters -- no one has! We’re all in the same boat! And we need Jesus to speak peace. He spoke healing over the centurion’s servant and He spoke peace over the panicky disciples, and He wants to speak peace, provision, or whatever into your life today. Ask Him!
Coupled with Matthew 8:8, the Lord alo spoke Isaiah 30:15 into my spirit. This was a “now Word” for me, and I want to pass it along to you. “For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest, you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength…” During Israel’s turbulent days, the prophet addressed the nation as a whole, but also directed his remarks to individuals.
Pandemic storms may rage, but we as followers of Jesus Christ are promised peace in the midst of tumult. He wants to give every believer -- that means YOU -- a “now Word,” one that will hold you steady during these uncertain times.
Our medical profession has asked us to practice social distancing. When in groups less than ten, to practice the “six-feet rule.” Crowds of more than ten are strongly urged not to gather. I can’t help but feel God is using these dynamics to draw us away from others into His presence. The Lord is asking for an audience of one! God wants to give YOU a “now Word.” You need one! He’s still speaking and He has a message crafted specifically for you!
I appreciate what our government is doing, and I pray earnestly for our President and the many other front-liners, so I beg you, don’t waste your time wasting time!
Use this interruption to get before the Lord . Open His Word with a humble, searching heart. Like Isaiah suggested, “Seek repentance and rest.” You will be saved (from external stimuli) that threatens your peace. Cultivate a daily quiet time with the Lord and place your trust in Him. He wants to keep you strong!
Listen intently and honestly as you search the Scriptures. What is the Lord asking you to change in your life? Do you continue to harbor secret sins? Have you grown complacent in your Christian life and service? What attitudes have you fostered that are counterproductive to your spiritual well being? Are you angry? Is there someone you need to forgive? Do you struggle with sexual lust? The Lord wants to speak specifically to you! He will lovingly confront you, convict you, and by His grace show you a better way! Isn’t He wonderful?
During this pandemic, I remain committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I remain “confident of this one thing -- that “He who began a good work in me (over 49 years ago), will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
God is speaking. Listen!
