These are certainly unprecedented and trying times we’re living in. This coronavirus pandemic has challenged us all in ways we never could have imagined. Never in our lifetime have we experienced such solitude and isolation as a nation. Trying times such as these beg the question, “What should Christians do?”
Trials such as these are not foreign to God’s people. In Scripture we read of famine, war and diseases that wiped out thousands of people. How did God’s chosen people react to such misfortune? One dominant and underlying theme in the midst of all these calamities is faith. From Moses parting the Red Sea to Daniel in the Lion’s den, faith is the essential premise. It should be no different now.
Christians should remember a few things. First, we are sojourners in this world and are called out (ecclesia è church) to be different, to follow God instead of the world. Trials, such as this, can strengthen your faith, edify God, and reflect His glory. Although current situations may seem bleak, it really is time to exercise your faith and trust in Him.
I’m reminded of several verses that can help you through these challenging times. Below are just a few.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
So, what are things you can do during this uncertain time? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Take this time of isolation and get a cup of your favorite coffee, find a quiet place and read your Bible. It is your ultimate source of strength and powers your faith. As you indulge yourself in God’s Word allow it to replace your fear with faith, your anxiety with peace and your worry with comfort. Remember, it is the only book on planet earth truly capable of completely transforming lives. Allow it to transform yours.
2. Pray. Open your heart to God and allow His Spirit to revitalize you. Pour out your inner thoughts, worries and angst and give them all over to Him. Praise Him like the Psalmist did, with adoration, worthiness and humility. You may want to mix some singing in with your prayers … David did! In your prayers pray for other people, for their protection, healing and even their salvation if they don’t know the Lord. This is a great time to spend some time alone with your Creator and get to know Him in a more intimate way by allowing Him into your life.
3. As James, the half-brother of Jesus so eloquently states (James 2:14-26), do acts of service in line with your faith. These come in a variety of packages. Call someone up and give them a word of encouragement or pray over the phone with them. Make cookies and use them as a way of getting to know your neighbors. Mow someone’s lawn, repair their fence or paint their house. Offer to pay someone’s electric bill. Offer to buy someone’s groceries who may be laid off during this quarantine. Acts of service are visual testimonies of your faith. Remember, you may be the only Jesus someone ever sees!
I encourage you to take advantage of this “down” time and draw closer to your Creator, the Maker of heaven and earth. Walk in your faith, love those in your sphere of influence and demonstrate your faith through uplifting works. And as we exit this pandemic I pray that you will have relished in this time of reflection and meditation on your Lord, the Messiah Jesus Christ, ready to proclaim the Good News of salvation.
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A New and Better Way
Why, God?
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