During the summer of 1877, a swarm of grasshoppers was destroying the crops across the entire state of Minnesota.
Gov. John Sargent Pillsbury declared a statewide day of prayer and fasting for deliverance from this “plague” that had been ravaging their crops. It was a statewide emergency. The governor urged every man, woman and child to pray for God’s deliverance and protection.
On April 26, 1877, schools and businesses were closed as people of all ages across the entire state prayed for divine intervention. The next day was the beginning of a series of days that were unseasonably warm. It was more like summer than spring. The three days of warm weather triggered the hatching of the grasshopper larvae. People wondered why God hadn’t responded to their prayers. It seemed like things were getting worse instead of better.
On the fourth day, there was a sudden dip in temperatures. The entire state of Minnesota was covered with frost that night. The vulnerable grasshopper larvae perished in the frost, and the crops and economy of Minnesota were rescued from certain devastation.
As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let’s not forget our God is bigger than COVID-19.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” — Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Let’s remember that God alone is our source of strength.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” — Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
This psalm expresses assurance and hope in God’s protection, both day and night. He alone made the heavens and the earth. He is our rescuer. He alone is our deliverer and redeemer. We should never trust a lesser power than our heavenly father. I challenge you to look to him in the face of your fear. He is all-powerful. He watches over his children. Nothing is too difficult for him.
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O Lord almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.” — Psalm 84:11-12 (NIV)
We will never outgrow our need for God’s grace and protection. We need him now. Look to him in your time of need. Remember his promise: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5b (NIV)
Steve Greene is the lead pastor of The Point in Seymour. Read his blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or email him at [email protected]. Send comments to [email protected].