Suddenly, how suddenly actually is?

It has been over 3 weeks now, the world went from 0 to 180 degrees in a dramatic turn of events, it went from a sense of 'normality' to a very speedy and urgent reaction to the pandemic Corona virus known as the COVID-19.

As the human costs in many countries continue to rise, the virus is also taking its toll on different industrial sectors - and subdued demand and disrupted supply across industries increase uncertainty over the global economy.

The outbreak has led major institutions and banks to cut their forecasts for the global economy. One of the latest to do so is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

In a March report, the OECD said it downgraded its 2020 growth forecasts for almost all economies.

On the demand side, the impact is already being felt in the travel and tourism industry. The airline sector is expected to have a loss in revenue rising up to 30 billion US dollars this year, as demand for air travel declines for the first time in the last 11 years.

Airline schedules were reduced by 80% and more, grounding most major carrier airplanes and placing them in financial jeopardy. The U.S. Congress passed a multi-trillion-dollar aid and stimulus package, the largest in history.

Unprecedented events!

The ongoing spread of the new corona-virus has become one of the biggest threats to the global economy and financial markets.

“From an economic perspective, the key issue is not just the number of cases of COVID-19, but the level of disruption to economies from containment measures,” Ben May, head of global macro research at Oxford Economics, said in a report this week.

Fears of the corona-virus impact on the global economy have rocked markets worldwide, plunging stock prices and bond yields.

The lives of hundreds of millions of people were changed almost overnight. It was sudden and we had no time to prepare. Schools and businesses were closed. Major sporting events - from the Tokyo Olympics to, UEFA Champions League, European Nations Cup, and all major sporting events around the world were abruptly cancelled. In Mark 13:33-34, Christ tells about 'remaining watchful':

"Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leave his house and puts his servants in charge, which with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch."

We might as well compare it to the months of planning that goes into a wedding, to the birth of a baby, to a career change, to a speaking engagement, to the purchase of a home, etc. The relevant question is if we do place the same importance on preparing for Christ's return, the most important event in our lives? You see, the results will last for eternity. We should dare not postpone the preparations because we do not know when His return will occur.

This is where we are at this moment in 2020. We do not know when Christ will return, but we know we have a charge from Him to work, watch and pray - to keep our spiritual house in order. His Church has the authority of the Kingdom of God behind it.

From my side, I try to understand my part in proclaiming the message announcing the coming of God’s Kingdom. It is a command to explain what the prophetic scriptures say about today’s world events. It is the authority to make known to you and all who listen the truth that God is creating a spiritual family through the Church, the body of Christ. This is the work I am called to do. You have the choice to join and be part of this vital work.

Jesus concludes in verses 35-37 the following:

"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back - whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or a dawn. If He comes suddenly, do not let Him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch'."

Suddenly - as we have now seen - means without warning, when least expected. I think we are at a moment when God is taking the measure of the nations. A pestilence has spread among 180 nations. God is not unaware of what is happening. He’s still in control. He has allowed it just as He allows all the affairs of man to happen. God is giving us an opportunity now to stop and consider His Word and our lives. Ask yourself, what does God want you to learn from this pandemic? Will you use this moment to seek God while He may be found, and His truth understood? What does this pandemic mean in the context of Bible prophecy?

Do not waste this crisis moment by thinking a return to normal means nothing significant has happened. Something significant has occurred. You need to act. During this pandemic, Christian webs have shown a substantial increase in traffic and a spike in activity as people look for information about what this means.I see people hungry for material on Bible prophecy. Prophecy can help you understand much about God and His plan. Prophecy should motivate you to a changed life based on the sure hope of God’s guiding hand on human affairs. Here what Peter says about prophetic events.

"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives." (2 Peter 3:11).

He is saying that an understanding of prophecy should compel us to live a holy, godly life. Because we know a judgment is coming, we should prepare to meet the next moment of trial with faith and courage.

Realising that the earth is going to be burned up, we should put our confidence in what is lasting and eternal and not be bound to earth and its treasures or pursuits. Do you spend more of your time piling up possessions or striving to develop Christ-like character?