Dusting Ourselves Off

It has been shown that children who play in the dirt, with all its hidden microbes (germs), develop stronger immune systems compared with children who have never made mud pies or slid into first base. It’s the same principle behind vaccines; the body has to encounter a germ to learn how to recognize it and defend against it.

In other words, the body gets stronger by facing adversity—and the same can be said of the human spirit. Today’s children who are experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to grow up to be resilient, creative adults who value human connection and understand the need to take care of each other. This bodes well for society in the years to come.

Another spiritual benefit of facing adversity is that it humbles us and leads us to turn to God. The psalms are filled with pleas to God: “Have mercy on me, O God” (Ps 51:3). “Save me, O God, for the waters have risen to my neck” (Ps 69:2). “Hear, O God, the voice of my complaint” (Ps 64:1). Demetrius Dunn notes, “…we do not bother to complain to someone who does not love us!” Thus turning to God in our distress provides the comfort of remembering that God loves us. It also provides hope, as we recall how God has saved us and others in the past. We can overcome adversity, as long as we let go of our pride and let God and others help us.

The pandemic has brought us to our knees, where our former way of life has hit the dustbin—but as we rise and dust ourselves off, we will be stronger in spirit as we recognize our limitations and our interconnectedness with others and God. New life awaits!