8 Life Lessons from COVID-19

It’s the end of March, and this coronavirus is still waging war on the world. I use battle terminology here because that’s what it feels like: a battle with unseen forces over our health and economy. Like you, I’m praying that God will put an end to this virus soon—but I also see the potential for positive change. Here are eight lessons I pray we learn before this pandemic comes to an end.

1. Be Prepared

Here in Florida, we have to be ready for a hurricane to hit from June to November. Since a big hurricane can disrupt public transportation, take out the electricity, and impede access to fresh food and water, staying stocked up on the necessities is a way of life. Fortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has not crippled our infrastructure, but it should teach us the importance of being prepared.

“He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully” (Proverbs 10:5 NAS).

2. Be Content

Even though there may not be any ground beef at the supermarket, most of us have more than enough food to get by for awhile—and far more than most people throughout the world. And in today’s digital age, we can go online to find fifty ways to pull together a nice dinner using that aging bell pepper in the back of the fridge and that can of refried beans. Let us learn to be content and thankful for what “little” we have. For more, check out the guest post, Content to Bloom, by Kristen Hogrefe.

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” (Philippians 4:11-12 NAS).

3. Be Creative

Grandma always said, “Use it up or wear it out. Make it do or do without.” Our society has had so much prosperity for so long that this idea has become outdated—until now. Got a hole in your pants? Learn how to sew on a patch. Your maids won’t come to clean your house? It’s time to learn how they get the grout so sparkling clean. Concerned there won’t be enough groceries at the store? Look for seeds to plant a garden. If we learn to be creative with our resources, we can make them stretch further.

“She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight” (Proverbs 31:13 NAS).

Use it up or wear it out. Make it do or do without. #coronawisdom Click To Tweet

4. Make Hay Today

My mother has always said, “make hay today, for tomorrow it may rain.” We’re in a period of rain right now—we can’t socialize; can’t move forward with our businesses and projects; some people can’t even get married! Let this be a lesson to all of us to not put off the hard things until tomorrow, for tomorrow it may be too late. So, as soon as this pandemic settles down, do what you’ve been putting off: make amends; buy the ring; fill out the paperwork; pack the boxes. Don’t wait another day.

“Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good” (Ecclesiastes 11:6 NAS).

Make hay today, for tomorrow it may rain. #wisdom Click To Tweet

5. The Discipline of Solitude

Although I’m an introvert, I can appreciate the frustration extroverts feel at not being able to gather freely. Just knowing you can’t get together with friends and family makes you want to do it all the more. However, there is immense value in the spiritual discipline of solitude. If we could look at this time as a “social fasting” instead of an externally-imposed isolation, we could reap many benefits. Check out my post, A Little Peace and Quiet, to learn more about the discipline of solitude.

“And He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while…’” (Mark 6:31a NAS).

6. Online is OK

It may seem like everyone—every business and institution—has been online for years, but that’s not so. There have been many holdouts, especially churches and Christian schools that have favored traditional, in-person settings. Tragically, these are the very institutions that should be online. Due to our need for social-distancing, though, I’m now seeing some of these embrace online options, which will allow them to reach people across town or across the world. Let us continue to use modern tools to reach people for God’s glory!

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19a NAS).

7. Care for Others

We’ve all heard that COVID-19 is especially dangerous to senior citizens. Many young people have acted like this gives them a reprieve—not thinking about the fact that they could pick up the virus and carry it to a more susceptible person. As a society, we must learn to care for the wellbeing of others.

“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35 NAS).

8. God is in Control

Many people have become fearful, anxious, and even depressed as they struggle financially, worry about getting sick, and listen to the minute-by-minute account of this virus and its toll on the world. I confess, I am not immune to this. Although we haven’t been as affected as others, I have stressed over raising a little boy in the middle of this pandemic. We must all learn to put our worries at the feet of Jesus. He is in control, and He has good plans for those of us who love Him.

For more on this, check out my posts Fear God, Not the Storm and 3 Truths to Set You Free from Anxiety.

“Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!” (Luke 12:24 NAS).

Lord, please bring a swift end to this virus. Have mercy on us, especially our most vulnerable citizens. But, more than anything, please let your Spirit move on us so that we can find you in the midst of this pandemic. In the name of Jesus, who died for our sins and sicknesses, amen.

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