It is terrible to hear of thousands of people dying, including a bishop, pastor and elder in the same city. It is terrible to hear of millions of people losing their jobs. It is terrible to hear about so much suffering, grief and turmoil. Yet in the midst of this crisis, God is at work. In fact, He has a plan. A redemptive plan. It is imperative that we get a divine perspective on the current crisis.

On March 18, I sent an email to my primary publisher with the subject heading, "A Crazy Idea?" The "crazy idea" was this. Since I had been feeling so stirred to write, speak and preach on biblical themes related to the virus, should I try to put together a book to get out immediately? Could it be?

My editors said yes—they had been sensing the very same thing. And eight days later, I had completed the manuscript. The book is due out on April 15 with the title, When the World Stops: Words of Faith, Hope, and Wisdom in the Midst of Crisis. Less than one month to write and publish a book. This does not happen every day.

But I share that here to say this: God has much to say to His people in this hour. And if we will step back and hear His voice, I believe we will hear Him say this: "Redeem this for My glory!"

One of the chapters of my forthcoming book is titled, "Seize the Moment!" In that chapter, I relate the account of Jesus healing the man born blind in John 9. It reads:

"As Jesus passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? ' Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned. But it happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. I must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. read more