Dhimas Anugrah

As the world continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, all of us are waiting for a “deliverer” in the form of a vaccine, which we hope can break the chain of transmission and allow us to resume our normal activities. Will a vaccine be found and produced in Indonesia soon? We pray it will be so, for many people have died as a result of the virus—more than 9,000 in Indonesia alone.

This time of waiting reminds me of the experience of the people of Israel in the time of Christ. Many were waiting for the Messiah (Deliverer) to come and deliver them from Roman occupation. This hope was not an empty one, for it was based on God’s promise to their ancestors, that He would send a Deliverer (Isaiah 59:20).

While waiting for the discovery of the Covid-19 vaccine, I am reminded of the word of the writer of Hebrews: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:23-24 NASB).

This verse invites the children of God to practice our faith in two ways.

First, we are to place our hope fully in God, because He is faithful to His promises. Trusting in God in difficult times is not easy, because reality paints a grim picture. Right now, for instance, we cannot deny the reality of the economic challenges that many face, and the increasing number of people infected by the coronavirus.

However, let us not forget the assurance of God’s promise that He will not leave us in times of trouble (Hebrews 13:5). The Bible tells of many crises (for instance, famine in Genesis 12:10; 26:1; 41:30-31; 45:6) in which God never fails to care for and restore His people. May we be encouraged to keep believing that our current crisis will be resolved in God’s way, in His timing.

Second, it encourages us to continue loving and doing good. God can work in many ways in people’s lives during this time, and we can be that channel of His love, care, and comfort. One thing we can do is to help people overcome their fears. We can minister to them by reminding them of who our source of strength is—Jesus Christ.

While waiting for the discovery of the Covid-19 vaccine, let us stand firm on God’s promises, because He is faithful. May this promise of God give us hope to wait with patience and strength, and compassion to care and love for others like He does.