Vol II: #76 Vaccines and the Will of God
In a hyper prophetic ecosystem like Bethel’s, it’s common to hear someone say I feel the Lord calling me to X. Usually, this means “called” to a specific ministry like working with the homeless or some kind of inner healing. A “calling” can also apply to countries or a ‘season of rest.’ (Funny how few people feel called to a ‘busy as shit season.’) Pertinent to my post today is the idea of the Holy Spirit ‘calling’ people to travel over the summer. And, I am among them.
One statement you will not hear uttered from my lips, though I’ve heard it repeatedly since March, is they want me to get vaccinated. You won’t hear it from me because I do not understand that mentality. I believe vaccines are safe and affective. As evidenced by the fact we do not suffer from measles, mumps, small pox, or polio. And, despite the facts, I know that no matter how much data I have, the prevailing sentiment among conservatives is that the COVID-19 is potentially dangerous. So be it.
Here’s the rub for many of my brothers and sisters: The Lord isn’t scared of the COVID-19 vaccine. If they have the faith to travel, to battle malaria, to eat spicy diarrhea-inducing food, to sleep in flea infested beds, then I believe they can be vaccinated. Yes, it’s up to each person to decide what they must do. Preserving free choice is important, and each person must live with the results of their choices. But, don’t deny the Lord. If He called us to something, He’ll empower us to get it done.
Personally, I don’t know what the COVID-19 protects us from. I admit it isn’t the best vaccine. Supposedly, it protects us from the severe symptoms related to the virus, though I question that claim. My point is a vaccine shouldn’t keep us from walking out our callings. If an anti-vaccine person can legally avoid the vaccine, go for it; however, you best not sit on your ass because of fear.
