What Is God Saying

There are many voices in our ears these days. Politicians. Health Experts. The media. Social media. Friends and family. Seems most have opinions. Experts make suggestions, offer guidelines and now go further to make executive orders.

So many concerns and so many voices. There is only one voice I am listening for to counsel me in these days. I have talked to church leaders, other pastors, friends, mentors, and church members. I have read, researched, listened, gathered information, prayed, sought the heart and mind of God.

I feel like society is all swimming mindlessly in one direction because all the voices are saying the same thing. Not one person I have talked to can give a definitive word from God. Where is the "Thus says the LORD?" That is the only voice I'm interested in. What is God saying?

At this point I am conflicted. Torn asunder. Pulled in different directions. Burdened. Seeking wisdom from God. Bathing it all in prayer. Pleading for the Almighty to intervene and turn the tide. Asking for His clear directions. Waiting on His counsel.

Questions surface. If the virus is so contagious, why are not all flights stopped? Being confined in the close confines of an airplane and sharing recycled air seems an obvious place to avoid amid the age of social distancing. The same with public transportation of buses, trains and subways. Another question surfaces. Why are small businesses being targeted to close or reconfigure the way they operate, but Walmart is allowed to do business as usual? Why is Walmart not being forced to only allow pick ups instead of patrons going in the store shopping like other small businesses? If we are supposed to self quarantine for two weeks, what happens if the virus continues to spread? Gyms have been forced to close, but Target hasn't? There are certainly more than 10 people gathering in Walmart and Target, yet not a word about their altering the way they do business.

And of course, there is the church. As a shepherd, I want the best for the flock. I want to protect them, keep them from harm, minister to them in every way conceivable. Especially our senior adults who are more vulnerable. Churches are suspending their gatherings for at least two weeks. Will the two weeks extend to four, two months, or even longer in light of the safety of our members and the community? What did churches do during the bubonic plague? How did churches in England respond during the Nazi air raids during World War II? What about churches that gather in gospel closed countries who are forbidden to meet, but they still do in secret? Does the pastor wrestle with the fact that in his flock gathering, he is putting each of them in danger? What does God have to say?

Civil liberties are being lost right before our eyes. I ask God about these loss of freedoms and the eventual one world government that is sure to come. Is there any connection between the two at this point? I hear rumors about forced vaccines. About arrests for those who refuse. The shutting down of entire states and it sure seems like marshal law. There is talk about shutting down interstate travel. About military check points for travelers. There are rumors surfacing about being required to get governmental permission to leave the home and having documents stamped to prove your whereabouts. Some say the economy is fast approaching a depression. Is this a new world over attempt at conquering the United States? What does God have to say on this matter?

You can't buy toilet paper, eggs, and other items. Shelves are empty. Non perishable grocery products sparse. What does God have to say? Food distribution centers now have to be guarded by law enforcement. Hysteria abounds. Who speaks for God? Who has a fresh word from Him? God's voice is what America and the world needs. His is the most needed voice in this time.