I have been reluctant to share the following thoughts. As you read this, please remember that, in general, when I write it is not to call out any particular individual or group. Rather, I am trying to provoke thought and consideration. I believe we are all on a journey and sometimes a different perspective can help further that journey.
As the Covid-19/coronavirus pandemic has worn on, I have witnessed and continue to witness a great deal of grumbling. And, perhaps, that is understandable, to an extent. Our "normal" lives have been subjected to a good deal of abnormality. There are things we were accustomed to doing that we no longer can do as we did. There are inconveniences that we have never had, there are situations that we have never encountered.
But then I am reminded of Philippians 2:14-16, and what Paul says to the church at Philippi.
Let's consider what the author that wrote "do all things without grumbling" endured through the course of his ministry.
On the day he comes to know Christ, he is stricken blind. He was hunted down by his former colleagues in persecution of the church. He was stoned, presumably to death or close to death, and survived. He was falsely accused and imprisoned. He was shipwrecked. He was bitten by a snake. Oh and all this before he was ultimately executed. I'm sure I'm leaving a few things out.
So tell me what it is we have to grumble about?
Paul tells the Corinthians this in First Corinthians 10:9 and 10:
Those described by Paul had their "normal lives" interrupted. They could not do the things they were accustomed to doing. There were inconveniences they had never had and situations that they had never encountered.
So we can see that God is not pleased with grumbling in general. We're not talking about questions. God is big enough that he is not disturbed by our questions. When Gideon asks (paraphrasing here) "if God is for us, why has all this happened to us?" he is not struck down. In fact, he is reassured that God is with him in the task that has been placed before Gideon.
Grumbling is complaining without really wanting to be a part of the solution. It's like saying to God "I'm not happy with the way you're directing my life and you need to fix it RIGHT NOW!"
If we could, for a minute, set aside a few things. Let's set aside our political leanings. Let's set aside our ideas about where all this came from and what the end game is. Let's lay down our opinions.
Have you laid those down? Ok great.
Now, let's look at the world around us. There are people who are very sick. There are people who are dying. There are people who are crushed from losing family members. There is a world that is very much tired and hurting and needs compassion.
We're quick to quote 2 Chronicles 7:14. But how much are we doing that? Have we prayed for healing in our land? Have we asked God to lift this plague from our nation and from this world?
I fear that we've spent far more time grumbling about our inconveniences and pointing figures and trying to figure out who to blame than we have specifically asked for God to bring a healing to our land. Yes, there are much deeper issues that need to be worked out in the hearts and lives of people. But we need to address the immediate need.
Why don't we start right now? Pray this with me.
Jesus, I am guilty of grumbling. I have worried too much about my earthly inconveniences. Lord, please forgive me of this grumbling.
Jesus, I ask you to lift this plague from our land. Lord, please bring healing to all those who have been affected by this disease. Please, Lord help all those who have been affected. Uplift the hearts of those who have lost loved ones. Give strength and hope to those on the front lines, our medical professionals who are trying their best to help each person. God, bring healing and turn our hearts toward you. We are facing a very difficult time, but we know you are far more powerful than any of our difficulties. Thank you Lord Jesus for your gift of salvation. It is in your name we pray. Amen.
