My heart goes out to all those who have been impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19. This is a challenging time within this world. As we seek to understand the severity of what is happening, we should all take cautionary measures as outlined by the CDC.
Over the last few weeks, I have been praying for this world and seeking to see God in all of this. I know He is up to something and I recognize how Believers have a role to play in the midst of so much uncertainty. I believe we are called to a place of hope. I believe our gaze should be on God while we will safely power through these times.
I wanted to share with you four main thoughts that have been on my heart and I hope it will encourage you through this turbulent time:
- Let’s monitor our media consumption: Let’s stay informed with updates as needed but let’s not allow an overload of information to cause fear to erupt. We need to know what is happening, yet we need to create a quiet space for God to speak to us. We can seek to educate ourselves but we can’t neglect how much we need God. So I have to ask, are you reading your Word as much as you are keeping up with the news? Again, I believe it is important to stay informed but let’s not miss what God is saying to us right now.
- Love your neighbors: What if we as Believers responded with a heart to serve and not discriminate against those who are ill or self-quarantined for precautionary measures. The Bible tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) so as the people in our world are having to adjust to new temporary standards, I believe there is no better way to display God’s love than by serving and asking “what can I do for you?” Let’s use wisdom and get creative in how we serve them, but let’s serve those who need us. Let’s show up for others and spread His love. Let’s not shame people for what they are experiencing during this time instead we should be committed to love and extending grace.
- Keep faith on the front line: As others fear, let’s encourage through our faith. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us how God has not given us a spirit of fear. It doesn’t mean we will never experience fear but we don’t allow it to cripple us. This is a critical time for us to hold on to our faith knowing that He is with us and we will get through this with Him on our side.
- The power of the spread: This virus has taken the world by storm. Businesses are selling out of essentials, travels are being banned, schools are being closed and people are in a state of panic because of what they could be impacted by. As I observe the chaos around us, I wondered what it would be like if the Gospel Message could spread as quickly as the COVID-19? As Believers, we have been impacted by this Message; yet are we doing enough to spread it? The Gospel Message should be contagious and we should carry it with us wherever we go. It should cause a change in how we lead our businesses, help keep people in a place of peace and it should remind us how we have nothing to fear with God on our side.
Friends, I am praying and believing for this virus to cease and stop impacting the lives of those we love. I am praying for healing for those who currently have the virus and the medical professions who need the strength and wisdom to help treat them. And I am praying for a new level of faith to arise within each of us. There are people in need of our faith-filled words and gestures, can they count on you to respond?
Lastly, this verse has been on my heart and I think it is a sweet reminder during the days head:
“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.
Remember, God is with us. Let His Word comfort our hearts and silence our fears.