The global pandemic of Covid-19 has raised many questions and challenges for people of faith. Why would a loving, all-powerful God allow such widespread suffering and death? What does the Bible have to say about it? While we may not have complete answers, Scripture does provide wisdom and perspective as we walk through this difficult season.
God’s Sovereignty Over Suffering
First, the Bible is clear that God is sovereign over all things, including suffering (Psalm 115:3). Nothing happens apart from His divine permission. Disease and disasters are part of living in a fallen, sin-cursed world. Genesis 3 shows that creation was corrupted by the entrance of sin. Ever since the Fall, all of life has been subject to brokenness and death. Romans 8:20-21 tells us, “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”
In His mysterious wisdom, God sometimes allows His people to walk through trials, not to harm them, but to shape them into Christ’s image (Romans 8:28-29; James 1:2-4). God can even use disease and suffering to display His glory and accomplish His sovereign purposes, as He did with Lazarus’ illness and death (John 11:1-44). So in one sense, we can say that God allowed the coronavirus for His eternal purposes, which we may not fully understand.
The Reality of Living in a Fallen World
Second, Covid-19 is a vivid reminder that we live in a fallen, broken world corrupted by sin. When Adam and Eve rebelled against God, sin and death entered the human experience (Genesis 3). All sickness, suffering, evil and disasters can ultimately be traced back to the curse we’re under because creation is not the way God intended it to be (Genesis 3:14-19). The coronavirus is part of the human experience of living under the curse in a fallen world.
Thankfully, Scripture promises that God will one day eliminate all suffering, pain, and disease when Jesus returns to establish His eternal kingdom (Revelation 21:1-5). As Romans 8:22-23 says, “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Until then, followers of Christ live with the tension of the “already” but “not yet” of God’s kingdom.
God Can Redeem Suffering for Good
Third, one of the most amazing truths in Scripture is that God can use painful trials to produce blessings. Romans 8:28 promises that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” While the coronavirus has brought much heartache, God can powerfully use it for His glory and His people’s growth.
Throughout history, God has often revived the church and advanced the gospel through seasons of plague, persecution, and hardship. Difficult times force us to depend on God rather than our own strength. Pain presses us closer to our heavenly Father for comfort and peace that the world cannot give (Psalm 23:4). God disciplines His children through trials to develop Christlike virtues like patience, endurance, humility, compassion, courage, and perseverance (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4). Suffering gives us a sober perspective on what matters most and motivates us to live for eternal rewards rather than temporal pleasures.
God also uses our suffering to minister to others. As 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” By walking through this trial dependent on God’s grace, believers can have a powerful testimony that attracts others who are struggling without hope.
Perspective from the Book of Job
The Old Testament book of Job provides helpful perspective during seasons of terrible suffering and loss. Job was a righteous, God-fearing man yet God allowed Satan to inflict massive calamity on him. After losing his health, wealth, children, Job wrestled with God in agony, wondering why the Lord would allow such pain. But when God finally responded, He did not directly answer Job’s question of “why”. Instead, He affirmed His supreme wisdom and sovereignty over the universe He created. Job then humbly repented of questioning God’s goodness (Job 42:1-6).
The lesson for us is that during trials like Covid-19, God calls us to trust His wisdom and cast our cares on Him, even when we don’t understand all His reasons (1 Peter 5:6-7). It is not our place to judge or accuse God, but to humbly submit to His will, believing His promises that He is working all things for our growth in Christ (Romans 8:28-29). As Job said after his horrific ordeal, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2).
The Hope of Our Resurrection
As devastating as death is, Scripture gives great comfort that in Christ it is not the end. For believers, “to die is gain” because it means leaving a broken, sin-cursed world and going home to be with Jesus forever (Philippians 1:21; 2 Corinthians 5:8). While we grieve for loved ones we have lost on earth, we can have joyful hope knowing Covid-19 cannot separate them from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
Jesus conquered sin and death by His own death and resurrection, so that all who believe in Him can look forward to resurrection life as well (1 Corinthians 15). Revelation 21:4 promises the coming day when God “will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” What precious comfort this brings in our suffering!
Walking By Faith, Not Fear
This global crisis is certainly unsettling, but God calls His people to walk by faith, not fear. Scripture repeatedly tells us, “Do not be afraid!” because God is with us (Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 23:4-5; John 14:27). Believers can be confident that He is still on the throne, reigning over this world. While so much feels out of control, God is not surprised or unprepared. We may not understand all His ways, but we know His character: He is perfectly good, wise, loving, just, and sovereign even in the darkest times.
Rather than responding with panic, Scripture calls us to faith, wisdom, prayer, worship, hope, and compassion for others. Hebrews 12:12-13 says, “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” By turning to the Lord, we can trust that He will bring beauty out of these ashes.
Hope in God’s Promise of New Creation
Most importantly, we cling to the hope of Christ’s return and the glorious new creation to come. Revelation 21 declares the breathtaking promise that one day God “will wipe every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away…Behold, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:4-5).
What unspeakable joy this brings, even in the midst of sorrow and trouble! No matter what we face in this life, a perfect, pain-free eternity awaits all who trust in Jesus. For now, may this cancer-cursed, disaster-riddled, sin-sickened world drive us closer to the Savior who alone offers comfort, meaning, and unshakable hope amid the ashes.