When I was growing up, I had a friend who had one of those big, black "Eight Balls." Remember them? You could ask the Eight Ball questions like "Will I hit a home run in the Little League Game?" or "Will my parents increase my allowance?" and then turn the big, black ball over and then wait for its answer. As kids we never put much stock in the answers of the Eight Ball. But it was kind of fun to mess around with.
As I was reading Acts 20 this morning, I realized that you wouldn't have found an Eight Ball in the apostle Paul's travel bag. He traveled by faith, trusting in God's presence and power to help him finish the race and complete the task given him by Jesus - "the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace." (Acts 20:24)
There are times when a reliable Eight Ball would be helpful, wouldn't it? We could have used a warning about the present pandemic. We might have taken precautions much earlier, protecting our family and friends. There would have been time to work on a medicine to fight the coronavirus…equip doctors, nurses and health care professional with needed supplies…prepare steps so that the economy would not be adversely affected…and create a way for delivering the things needed for home without people greedily grabbing every paper towel, toilet paper and antiseptic wipe available. Being able to see into the future would have been a benefit for us. But there is nothing in this life - no person or thing - that can tell us the future with any certainty.
How shall we then live? Paul offers a fine example for us. He explained to the Ephesian Christians that he did not know what would happen to him as he traveled from place to place. But he believed that the Holy Spirit would direct and help him. Paul learned that he could trust God no matter where he might travel or whom he might meet.
We can do the same. We don’t have to be overwhelmed by what we see and hear about the coronavirus. Take the necessary step to protect yourself and your loved ones. Practice social distancing. Wash, wash, wash those hands. Be smart.
And you have something else at your disposal to see you through these worrisome times. God has given you faith to trust in Him for forgiveness, new life and salvation. You have God's promise that He will provide you with daily bread and help meet your needs. The Scriptures assure us that God is faithful. His Word is sure and certain. God bless you as you follow Him day by day!
