Dragging myself back home after a long day of work, I pondered over how drastically our lifestyles had changed in the past few weeks.

Shopping malls had limited the number of entering customers. Cinemas and other entertainment outlets were made to close. Even hawker centres had demarcated lines for customers to queue in.

A virus which came from a far-off province had become a worldwide phenomenon. Across the world, economies are sliding downwards, people are losing their jobs and lives are being lost.

It seems surreal that Singapore has already passed 18,000 cases! Yet, for all of this bad news, I had to think of something to be grateful for.

You see, I believe – from the Bible – that every trial can bring lessons to shape me for the better. 

3 REFLECTIONS ON COVID-19

1. We are human and our abilities are limited

As human beings, how many times have we thought we have the ability and resources to obtain whatever we want?

In a time where life and death are uncertain, how much more should we live to glorify God?

With technology and medicine, we seemed to be invincible. Yet a mere virus has brought us to our knees. Even the smartest scientist cannot put an end to virus.

One thing I’ve realised is that humans cannot do without God. No matter how careful we try to be, how many precautions we take and how many restrictions we implement, we are not in control.

All we can really do is to trust God for His protection and ask Him to preserve our lives through this season of uncertainty.

We live in a time where life and death are uncertain: How much more should we aim to live a life that brings glory to God?

2. We are truly blessed to be in Singapore

As a Singaporean, I’ve heard complaints since I was born about all kinds of things like National Service, PSLE and Singapore’s insanely hot weather. And, to be honest, I’m part of this group of complaining kings and queens at times.

But this season has taught me to be grateful that I even get to live as a Singaporean.

I count myself fortunate to be a Singaporean during this difficult time.

It is a blessing to see we have frontline healthcare staff who are so dedicated to ensuring the health of their countrymen (even to the extent of postponing their wedding!). It is a blessing that Singapore still has sufficient medical resources to support those who the virus.

It is a blessing to see Singaporeans rise up and make a difference in their own special way (such as placing a bottle of hand sanitiser in their lifts). And we are blessed that our government is wise enough to make decisions for the safety of Singaporeans, while also considering the possible economic and social implications.

Truly, I count myself fortunate to be a Singaporean during this difficult time.

3. We have taken our freedom for granted

Meeting friends for lunch and attending church were such normal parts of our lives, that we’ve forgotten it’s a privilege that we even get to live our lives this way.

With churches closed, I believe that more and more people will learn to treasure the opportunity of meeting together for fellowship and as one congregation.

Many families too, have also learnt that time with each other is worth treasuring.

No matter what happens, let us not lose hope because our hope in Christ is an anchor for our soul.

Surely, the One who could calm the winds and waves will surely be able to calm the worry and fear in our hearts.