Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? … Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
—Romans 8:35-39

What comfort and assurance there is in knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Difficulties will come, but there is no power, virus, or lost job that can steal salvation from the child of God. There is an anchor of hope in Christ and a bright eternal future that lies ahead if we stay faithful to our Lord and Master.

This quarter the Lord directed me to publish a special edition of the Gospel Truth which is different in scope and format than the usual issues. Our world is in crisis due to the spread of COVID-19, and the saints of God are facing much uncertainty on many fronts. In a world of fear and question, the child of God can maintain a deep peace in knowing that God is in control. While we do not have the answer to every question about the reasons and purpose of events in this life, we know that God will work things to the benefit of the souls of mankind. This edition is a compilation of articles written by various Church of God ministers around the world for the edification, challenge, and comfort of the saints of God during this present distress. I trust this edition will be a special blessing and encouragement to God’s people.

While some people are panicking and disturbed, I encourage you to place your trust in the Lord Jesus and live with calmness and serenity as you continue to walk with Him. In troublesome times, come life or death, there is a wonderful experience of peace that passeth all understanding. If you are not saved from your sin, this is a wonderful time to repent and accept the gift of salvation. If you are worried and fearful, know that God has a vested interest in you. The Holy Spirit was given as a comforter to soothe and calm the spirit despite the storms encountered in life.

Our world has faced many hardships and survived many a catastrophe. We do not want to be fearmongers nor do we want to ignore the seriousness of this current virus. Let us pray that the Lord will turn calamity into joy and that people will awaken to the spiritual needs of the soul.

Let us continue to pray for one another and draw close to the Lord. God is counting on us all to be those faithful pillars in the church and those stalwart soldiers of the cross who are steadfast and unmovable in the midst of hardship. God bless you my brothers and sisters.

With much love and prayers,

Michael W. Smith

April 2020