God Issues: Will you get the swine flu?

InformedFaith.com   By Dr. James C. Denison President, Center for Informed Faith, Dallas, Texas November 3, 2009 Topic: divine leadership   Will you get the swine flu?   According to today's Wall Street Journal, nearly everyone is exposed to influenza viruses in a normal flu season.  However, no more than 20 percent of the population contracts the illness.  Will you be the one in five this year?   Scientists at Duke University are working on a way to tell.  They have discovered the handful of genes which are activated by viruses in people who eventually become sick.  They are trying to develop a device about the size of a BlackBerry which can quickly determine if you are on the way to being sick.   If you're going on vacation, you could adjust your plans.  Schools could anticipate the spread of flu infections.  Soldiers could be tested before they are deployed for various missions.  People are contagious for a day before they show symptoms, so such a test could slow the spread of disease.   Unfortunately, current methods to detect gene changes usually take days or weeks-by that time you're already sick and hopefully well.  Researchers are working on a test which can detect gene changes quickly enough to be useful.   The Chinese have a saying: to predict is difficult, especially with regard to the future.  Thomas Edison said of his invention in 1880, "The phonograph is not of any commercial value."  Grover Cleveland announced in 1905, "Sensible and responsible women do not want to vote."  Thomas J. Watson, chairman of IBM, said in 1943, "I think there is a world market for about five computers."   Ken Olson, president of Digital Equipment Corporation, predicted in 1977, "There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in their home."  Baseball player Tris Speaker claimed in 1921, "Ruth made a big mistake when he gave up pitching."   The good news is that the Great Physician already knows whether you'll get the swine flu this week or catch a cold today.  As we learned in yesterday's essay, "even the very hairs of your head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:30).  You and I are trapped in the space-time continuum, bound to this moment, experiencing life as a series of chronological events.  God stands outside all of that, as a writer stands outside the characters whose lives he records.   As a result, the only safe way to step into this day is to follow the lead of our omniscient Father.  Speaking to his suffering people, the Lord promised, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'" (Isaiah 30:21).  Have you made time to listen for that voice yet today?  _____________________________   The Center for Informed Faith is sponsoring a Bible study tour of Israel February 21-March 2, 2010.  The "In His Steps" tour brings Scripture alive as it traces the steps of Jesus and his early followers through the Holy Land.  Sites include Nazareth, Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, the Jordan River, Jerusalem, Caesarea, and other sacred places.  This walk through biblical history and culture will deepen your faith and understanding of Scripture as Dr. Denison explores the historical and spiritual background of each site and Dr. Mike Fanning discusses its archaeological significance.  A $300 per- person deposit is due by November 20, 2009 to insure a spot on the tour.  Inquiries after that date will be filled on a space-available basis only. All monies paid before the December 20 final payment date are fully refundable except for a $100 cancellation fee per person. For more information, please visit www.InformedFaith.com. Copyright © 2009, Center for Informed Faith. All rights reserved.