The coronavirus is the physical condition that we are afraid of, but I dare say that God is revealing a more deadly virus that has been incubating for years: Control.

During the outbreak of such an unknown, quickly spread disease our world is now grasping at whatever they can to soften the blow. Politicians, their predictions. Parents, their sanity. Healthcare workers, their expertise. Patients, their next breath. Underneath it all, our world is grasping for control.

Currently, our ache for control has surfaced for many of us because we indeed have none. We are no longer the masters of our career, education or finances. We just don’t know what is to come. For many years, our country has been built on control. Whoever has the most money has the most power. With power, there is control over others. Those who are under that power are oppressed. Furthermore, the drive for those who are oppressed are to make it on top. For as long as time ever was, the grind and hustle for money has become our ultimate goal…also known as the “American Dream”.

Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 

God’s dream for us is not a fanciful sprint to have a perfect family behind a white-picket fence. His reality for us is to be His children, wholly satisfied in Him. He gives us water that not only hydrates us but promises that we will not thirst again (John 4: 14). There are thousands of sources that will prepare you for the coronavirus. I have only four steps that I believe will allow the presence of God to cleanse our souls of the germs of control:

Pause in front of the mirror to see who you really are. 
We have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 
Daniel 9:5

Turn on the water to rinse off the lies that you believe.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8

Apply soap to disinfect what you cannot see.
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9

Rinse again and believe that you are made new. 
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:38