New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo mentioned that New York is experiencing some relief from the covid pandemic, as the latest numbers show that New Yorkers are flattening the curve. He explained this good medical news in an interesting way on Monday April 13th, saying “God did not do that..”  What does God think of what Cuomo said?  I think he has told us!

Here is a larger section of the quotation…

 “The number is down because we brought the number down,”

 “God did not do that. Faith did not do that. Destiny did not do that.”

“A lot of pain and suffering did that. That’s how it works. It’s math. And if you don’t continue to do that, you’re going to see that number go back up. And that will be a tragedy if that number goes back up.”

I assume, in saying these words, that Gov Cuomo did not mean to denigrate faith or God, but that he was merely noting that human action, not direct divine intervention, was responsible for the decrease in the pandemic.  I can agree with that.

But what is God’s role in human action?

Over three thousand years ago, when Israel was coming out of Egypt God predicted that one day the nation of Israel would make a similar claim. 

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.”  Deuteronomy 8:17 (NIV)

That sounds just like Governor Cuomo does it not?  That sounds just like the assertions I can make to myself, when I find that good fortune has come my way.  “I did this!!”.  But look at the timeless and appropriate encouragement God gives when we make those assertions. 

 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, …Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV)

Did you catch that? God is the one who gives us the ability to produce wealth.  He is the one who gives and sustains life.  He is the one who enables the brain to function and the body to respond to its commands.  He is the one who likewise empowered our ancestors to produce the wealth that enriches our land. Yes human action reduced the spread of the pandemic.  But God is the one who empowers and enables human action.

So…God would say … to Governor Cuomo and to each of us … “Remember me…”. Don’t forget to honor me for sustaining life, to thank me for the abilities and gifts you have, to look to me to empower you in the future, and to trust in me for better days ahead.   Thank you Governor Cuomo for that reminder!!