COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic. Fear and anxiety are natural responses as our self-preservational instincts kick in. In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus’ disciples faced a panic-inducing situation of their own. They were in a boat and a great windstorm broke out. The Scripture tells us that the boat began to fill with water. The disciples knew they were dangerously close to sinking, but Jesus was asleep. In their panic, they woke Jesus and asked him an interesting question, “Teacher, do you not care that we are dying?” While the disciples rightfully took their fear to Jesus, they wrongly translated Jesus’ inaction as a lack of care.

With an epidemic plaguing the globe like COVID-19, it is easy to believe that Jesus is sleeping through our suffering. Like the disciples, we interpret his inaction as a lack of care. However, the truth is that even when we cannot see it, God is working. He is never inactive, and He is not indifferent towards the suffering of his people.

COVID-19 is another reminder that we live in a broken world. Still, we can’t view God’s love for us through the lens of our suffering. Instead, we must view our suffering through the lens of God’s love for us. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

The twelve disciples questioned Jesus’ care, but we do not have to. We have the truth of God’s word before us. We may not know what lies ahead of us in the coming days, but we do know this: God is with his people in this season of uncertainty. He is not asleep, and He is not indifferent. Today, lay your anxieties upon God. And as you do, be confident in His care for you.