Say the word “corona” these days and it is about as negative as it gets. That’s no great surprise, I’m sure. I’ve heard the coronavirus called the evil murderous enemy. Given all that the world has endured for the past three months or more, the mounting number of deaths and devastated economies, that’s quite understandable. Yet, can we possibly see this corona pandemic in a positive light, a perspective-lifter? The actual word “corona” means a crown or a circle light such as that around the sun and moon.

Perhaps this tragic worldwide pandemic is a wake up call, all be it at a devastating cost, awakening us to reframe and reform our priorities. When one encounters a problem with no immediate solution, their response to the situation may take them up or drag them down. You can lash out at the difficulty and disruption, resenting it and feeling sorry for yourself. Or, the problem can be a ladder enabling one to climb up and see life from a much different, and dare I say, more positive perspective. Viewed from a faith based long-term vantage point, the obstacle (corona pandemic) that frustrated you is merely a momentary trial. Once your perspective has been lifted up, you can look away from the problem and not focus on yourself so much. Rather than be shrouded in fear and worry, you can turn to the Lord and see the light of His presence shining upon you. In Him the sin barbed crown of thorns becomes a corona of light, hope and life.

“We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

~ Pastor Dennis J. Krueger