It’s not a mistake that I got this word on Friday the 13th, a day we associate with evil, because God is always redeeming darkness.
CORONA—meaning
VERB – crown, wreathe (with a garland, wreath, or crown).
NOUN – plural co·ro·nas, co·ro·nae [kuh-roh-nee] .
a white or colored circle or set of concentric circles of light seen around a luminous body, especially around the sun or moon
Folklore tells us sun or moon halos can predict the weather: A ring around the sun or moon means rain or snow is coming soon.
John 11:40 NASB Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
As we walk through this coronavirus pandemic, it is so important that prophetic voices rise up and speak. We are hearing all of these voices on 24 hour new, and on social media, and most are echoing the sounds of fear and political agendas. What really matters is to silence all the background noise and hear what God is saying. I believe God is saying, “If we will only believe, we will see the glory of God in all of this.” As I wrote above, the word “corona” comes from the word “crown,” or “wreath,” as in “victory wreath.” Historically, when someone would win a competitive victory, that person would be crowned with a wreath of victory. The word “coronae,” is also derivative of the idea of a “crown,” and refers to the crown or “halo” that can surround the sun, or the moon. Halos speak of “holiness,” or “glory.” It’s as if the sun or moon is occasionally wearing a crown of glory. Also, folklore tells us, and I was told all my young years, that if there was a ring around the moon, it meant rain was coming soon.
Now, let’s connect all of these dots prophetically, and see what the Lord is saying.
It is important that we continue to stand in prayer against this demonic virus, making biblical decrees. We carry the authority of Jesus, and the gates of hell will be pushed back as the church seated in the heavenly places, decrees in faith the judgement of God against the powers of darkness, that were defeated at the Cross. On a personal level we should especially pray Ps. 91 over all that we are personally connected to.
Psalm 91:1-16
[1] When you sit enthroned under the shadow of Shaddai, you are hidden in the strength of God Most High. [2] He’s the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence. [3] He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy, and he will protect you from false accusation and any deadly curse. [4] His massive arms are wrapped around you, protecting you. You can run under his covering of majesty and hide. His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm. [5] You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you. [6] Don’t fear a thing! Whether by night or by day, demonic danger will not trouble you, nor will the powers of evil launched against you. [7] Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed, you will remain unscathed and unharmed. [8] you will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment, for they will be paid back for what they have done! [9-10] When we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High, our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm. How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us? [11] God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go, defending you from all harm. [12] If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you and keep you from stumbling. [13] You’ll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness, trampling every one of them beneath your feet! [14] For here is what the Lord has spoken to me: “Because you have delighted in me as my great lover, I will greatly protect you. I will set you in a high place, safe and secure before my face. [15] I will answer your cry for help every time you pray, and you will find and feel my presence even in your time of pressure and trouble. I will be your glorious hero and give you a feast. [16] You will be satisfied with a full life and with all that I do for you. For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!”
Having said that, it is imperative that we look beyond the evil, and see the light that shines out of darkness. Millions have been praying for revival for this nation, and I believe the God who causes all things to work together for good, will reveal His glory when this is all said and done. Jesus broke through in His resurrection and fulfilled all of the Old Testament prophecies about a coming great move of God and outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all flesh. The revival we pray for, is that the church will fully enter into and manifest that outpouring, and as a result, harvest a longing world. The Lord knows the end from the beginning, and it is is important that we see His end result from this pandemic, because He already sees it, and He is not in a panic at all. People have often wondered what it would take to position people to experience a mass move of God. What kind of circumstance could so rattle people that everything they have trusted in, other than God, is shaken. It always starts with the house of God, and then extends, to a lost and dying world, as the Church begins to manifest the fullness of Jesus. The panic and fear seems so out of proportion in this coronavirus event, that it seems like something supernatural is pushing the fear button. Well, of course, there is a supernatural demonic force behind the virus, and more importantly, behind the fear. There is also someone who is Lord of all, that is allowing the enemy to play out his hand, so that His glorious purposes can ultimately be revealed. The crown of victory will be the result of the battle, and we will see the glory of God. As the evil one pours out his destructive desire against humanity, he is playing into the holy redemptive purposes of God. The enemy always overplays his hand.
A moon with a halo says to us that “rain” is coming soon; and IT SURELY IS!!! Rain always speaks of blessings and a fresh move of the Holy Spirit.
Ezekiel 34:26 NASB I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season; they will be showers of blessing.
Do I believe the enemy is behind this pandemic? Obviously, I do. Do I believe there is an element of judgement happening? Could be; but remember, even if God allows the foe to be an instrument of judgement, God’s judgement always flows from His massive heart of love. God’s judgement isn’t primarily punitive. It is always about awakening hearts to forsake false loves, and to seek Him. Jesus died that people might have life and have it more abundantly, and God so loves us that He is driven by “divine madness” to see humanity delivered and whole. Jesus revealed the heart of God at the Cross when He cried, “I thirst” and the infinite, thirsting heart of God to see humanity whole, compels Him.
I’m not saying that when the coronavirus subsides that revival will immediately manifest itself in fullness. That part I don’t clearly know, but it might. What I do know, is that the Body of Christ; this nation, as well as others, will be propelled at warp speed closer than we’ve been, toward the manifestation of the revival, we’ve all been crying out in faith for. This virus is a sign that “rain is coming soon.” I also believe the enemy knows things are becoming spiritually ripe, because he has observed the longing in the hearts of God’s people, and he has heard the sound of the growing choir of Intercessors that are praying for the manifestation of the revival that Jesus purchased for us in His finished work 2000 years ago.
1 Corinthians 2:7-8 NASB but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;
If the enemy had known what the Cross was going to accomplish, Christ would not have been crucified, because the Cross wasn’t satan’s victory; it was his defeat. The devil is full of pride, and he never seems to get it, that he is playing into God’s hand. That which he is meaning for evil; God will always mean for good.
Therefore, what should be the response of those in Christ?
First, we must keep our eyes on the glory of God that will come from all of this, and be a people of praise. Jesus said in Mark 5:36, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.” Fear is never God’s will for a Christian. We can walk in wisdom but never fear, for greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Allow the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, to guard your hearts and minds. Again, He is at peace about all of this; therefore, so can you. The world needs to see the glorious liberty of the children of God, manifested in this crises (opportunity).
Secondly, as carriers of Christ, God will provide countless opportunities for those in union with Christ to reveal the servant love of Jesus, and the healing power of the Risen, victorious Savior. What an opportunity we will have to offer people an encounter with Jesus. An army of Christians around the world will run toward the darkness, carrying the light of Christ. Believers will be compelled by love, and the greater works of Jesus will be on display. Many people will be supernaturally healed and, as a result, be awakened to the truth of Jesus. So many of the lost will find their way to the heart of God as Christians boldly serve them.
I believe the heart of the world will be tenderized in this pandemic, as Christ, through His body on earth, give display to a panoramic view of the heart, and power of God. It’s not time for believers to hide. It is time for believers to shine. My dear Brothers and Sisters, in Christ, “If we will only believe, WE WILL SEE THE GLORY OF GOD.”