Do You Have Enough Reward Points?

Our world is being shaken by an invisible pestilence. The level of uncertainty is growing daily as looming news reports reveal the death toll this enemy has caused. Similar to biblical plagues which have been told like tales about another world, our society never thought we would experience anything compared to those incidents.

Life will not be the same as it relates to employment and socialization. Massive food lines have been forming across the country revealing how people are not only vulnerable to COVID-19, but vulnerable to a “one paycheck away” financial collapse.

Although the government has promised to help stimulate the economy by providing paycheck protection for business owners and money for citizens, worry continues to increase because of the shortfall that will follow the one-time distribution.

Many have been offered the opportunity to work from home thus allowing their households to stay afloat while others who have manual labor jobs wait for answers from the unemployment agency.

Words of prophecy regarding current world events have been spoken by well known and unknown individuals. Some of these prophecies have been exhorted more than a decade. Many have taken heed by preparing spiritually and physically with emergency preparedness items, while others lived vicariously as if days of luxury would always last.

However, just as the Prophet Isaiah brought King Hezekiah word that he needed to get his house in order (see II Kings 20) because he was about to die, King Hezekiah realized that he had to do something quick. Instead of complaining or getting angry with God, he began to pray, and plead with God for his life. He didn’t run to his family members or friends to give them the bad news.

He asked God to … “Remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.” (II Kings 20:2).

It wasn’t long after he prayed, God changed his mind. When Isaiah was walking through the middle court, … “The word of the Lord came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell King Hezekiah, the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord” (II Kings 20:4-5).

God then stated that he would add an additional 15 years to Hezekiah’s life. He also told Isaiah how to cure Hezekiah’s sickness (see II Kings 20:7).

Are You Willing to Cry Out?

Oftentimes when we find ourselves in dire situations, we tend to cry out to God in desperation. Despite how we may have lived previously, we can be tempted to manipulate God by promising to do better in the future if he would grant us our request. Regardless of our crafty ways to conjure God into submitting to our demands, He knows if we will fulfill our promises or forget when he answers our prayer.

Notice how King Hezekiah was able to call God’s attention to his record of good works. He admonished God to remember what he had done. He didn’t have to manipulate God to get his prayer answered, but instead he relied on the truth, and he didn’t make any promises he didn’t have any intention on keeping. He also cried sincerely which indicated that he was not ready to die.

Check Your Balance

Many retailers have rewards points programs which allow shoppers to earn dollars after spending a certain amount of money. This type of program offers you the opportunity to redeem reward dollars which can be applied to future purchases. The more you shop, the more you earn.

If you are familiar with this type of program, you probably get regular notifications informing you how many points you have earned. This is a good way for the retailer to keep you interested in purchasing products and motivates you to save more.

Matthew 6:19 encourages us to … “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For many years a lot of emphasis have been placed on acquiring a lot of material things which has become the focus of many individuals’ existence instead of focusing on God’s purpose for their lives.

Many have invested in clothes, stocks, houses, cars, and have been disappointed because of the lack of return especially due to unexpected crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

When crisis such as this occurs, you would think that everyone will use the opportunity to reflect on their lives and behavior. While many have begun to get their spiritual houses in order, many are using this opportunity to scam their way to obtain money.

Now is not the time to swindle your way into blessings, rather we all should humbly ask God for his grace and mercy. If your life record does not have enough reward points on it to ask God to remember, you still have an opportunity to get your life in order and ask God for a second chance. As long as you are willing to ask humbly and do not command his services as if He were your bellhop, He is willing to hear your petition.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9).

In addition to asking for mercy, it will also help if you forgive others. Holding onto grudges will only hinder your prayers and progress.

The world is different and may not return to the same pace before the onset of this plague. I encourage you to focus on God’s Word instead of absorbing negativity.

Please stay informed about the current status of this pandemic so that you will know what you’re supposed to do to protect yourself and your family. However, instead of hunkering down in fear, sing, praise, pray, and proclaim the Word of God over your life.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

References

Collins, Michael. (2020). Not everyone is getting a $1,200 coronavirus stimulus check. Here’s who will be left out. USA Today.

Kolopowitz, Howard. (2020). As demand spikes, Alabama food banks are running out of food and resources. Al.com.

Moreno, Edward, J. (2020). Kentucky warns of fake coronavirus testing sites: reports. The Hill.

World O Meters.