I think a critical question to ask ourselves is what is God trying to teach us through this season? Recently as I was praying about the current crisis the following verses came to mind:
‘For no-one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.’
1 Corinthians 3:11-13
Paul is referring to the future day of judgement, when ‘things hidden will be revealed’ (Luke 8:17). We are not there yet, but still the current crisis is shaking all our foundations and revealing what it truly there. Have we built our house, our foundation, on the rock that is Christ? Or have we cobbled together various bits of scaffolding: trust in wealth, a good healthcare system, young age, our sense of control,…?
This is a time of testing not just for us as Christians but for everyone including our Muslim friends. When all the old certainties in life are stripped away what will be left? Let us use this time to not only examine our own hearts but to invite our Muslim friends to build their lives upon a sure foundation that can withstand not only this crisis, but even the day of judgement.
