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"Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases."
(Psalm 103:3)
For most of us, just the mention of the word COVID makes us cringe and causes a scowl to emerge across our faces. We are still dealing with it after over a year and a half! The word itself stands for Corona (CO) Virus (VI) Disease (D). It has caused over 4 million deaths and inflicted trillions of dollars in damages worldwide. Most likely you know someone who has not only suffered from COVID, but you probably also know someone who has died from this dreaded virus. It is no respecter of persons, as it is highly contagious, even to those who have been vaccinated against it, as we are seeing more and more lately.
I am grateful I have not contracted the disease--at least I do not think I have. Before the tests were widely available, I had some of the symptoms, so I may have had the virus without knowing it. In May of this year, both Ashley and I got the Pfizer vaccine, and we are glad that we did. We have had no sickness from the virus, but both of us have been exposed to it, so we hope if we do eventually get sick, it will not be as severe.
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate, that is the question. While we chose to be vaccinated, we know many who have chosen not to get the vaccine, and I understand the concerns and reasons why. Some are frightened because of the reduced testing and trial time and the lack of knowledge about long-term effects of the vaccine. Others have seen very negative reactions to other vaccines and are therefore understandably cautious. And others are concerned that if they get the vaccine, it may adversely affect their ability to have children. Again, I am not casting judgment, and understand the arguments for and against the vaccine. I was and am at total peace that I made the right decision for myself in getting vaccinated. At least, that is how I feel so far!
I have had close friends pass away because of the damaging effects of COVID-19. My daughter and son-in-law both had a serious battle with the virus, with our son-in-law having to spend three days in the hospital. A son of two of our church members here in Austin came perilously close to passing away from COVID at the age of 40. My heart goes out to all those whose loved ones have succumbed to this horrible disease.
Please pray for those like the family of Wade Morris. He was a faithful and effective evangelist who passed away after being hospitalized from COVID. He was 51 years old and left behind a wife and two children. Just a few weeks ago, Wade preached at Falls Creek Camp in Oklahoma, and over 400 students surrendered their lives to Christ. He will be deeply missed by so many.
But here is some good news: there is no COVID-19 in Heaven, praise God! There are times when God heals us in the here and now, like I believe he did for our friends' 40-year-old son. But other times, God chooses to heal His children in the next life. My heart is heavy today with all the suffering caused by this coronavirus. But my heart is also full of hope, knowing that God is in control, and no disease, sickness, pain, tears, or suffering will be allowed in heaven.
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