Helen Man
COVID-19 VARIANT
Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2019, coronavirus has caused tremendous damages in the world. We’ve had hundreds of millions of confirmed cases of infection and more than 4 million deaths worldwide. In the United States, we’ve had more than 35 million confirmed cases and more than 600 thousands of deaths. Covid-19 has paralyzed the medical systems and hospitals in a lot of countries and severely damaged the economy, bringing a record-high unemployment rate. In the U.S., the unemployment rate jumped from a low 3.5% pre-Covid-19 to double digits once reaching 14.8%. (Note)
REOPENING UPENDED
By God’s grace, we have effective vaccines to fight against the virus. The infection rate has dropped and there has been a sign of recovery in our society. While we are getting excited about reopening and getting back to normal, there comes the Covid-19 variant Delta. This variant is more contagious and deadly. It was first found in India in April this year. By the end of June, the Indian government reported that the Covid-19 death toll had hit a new high of 400,000, and half of them incurred during the second wave with the Delta variant. It is believed that the actual death toll might be significantly more than reported. (Note) Soon after, Delta has spread around the globe. The officials said that Delta has become the dominant strain accounting for about 90% of the Covid-19 infections. (Note)
Do our vaccines work against the Delta variant? The CDC claims that they do. Using the data from Massachusetts, where 74% of the population has been vaccinated, the vaccinated cases carry much milder symptoms and have a much higher recovery rate. Thus, the federal officials have been vigorously pushing for a higher vaccination rate. In addition, they plan to have the Americans have booster shots in the foreseeable future and to have anybody older than age 2, including the fully vaccinated folks to wear masks indoors and outdoors.
WORRIES VS PEACE
So, when will we be out of the woods? The pandemic has caused so much fear, sadness, and worry. On top of it, there are so many problems in our lives in this complex and fast-changing world. A sudden illness or accident, a family issue, a financial crisis …. just to name a few, has exhausted us. Finally the fear of our ultimate destiny—death is haunting us too. Where can we find true peace?
SOURCE OF TRUE PEACE
In fact, true peace does not mean having a worry-free and wealthy life. An artist depicted peace in his painting in such a way: On a stormy and rainy day, a little bird sleeps in peace with its mother in a little nest on a tree next to a huge roaring waterfall. “True Peace” is from God who says, “I will never leave you nor abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
God loves us and sends his only son Jesus Christ into the world and died for us and resurrected three days after death. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ, God’s salvation and true peace will be given unto him. God has promised us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Do not be sad or timid in your hearts.” (John 14: 27) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
The apostle Paul has also repeatedly reminded us about “true peace”. Paul stated in the Bible: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Therefore, repent and receive Jesus Chris as your savior. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living in us. We are never alone. Even when we are in lack of food, left with no friends or relatives, in sickness or in danger, infected by virus or even dying; we can always pray to God and be empowered anytime anywhere. No matter the circumstances, we have peace from God; just like the little bird resting peacefully with his mother. That is the peace that the world cannot give and no one can take it away from you. May you know God and trust in HIM, so you will receive the “true peace” from the Lord.
(Note: sources from various websites)