Unless you’ve been under a rock, you’re aware that the world is in a crisis due to this COVID-19 Coronavirus. Everyone is confused and panic mode. But as believers, how should we respond to this?
Here at AM International we deeply want to help relieve the hearts of the fear currently. So, we compiled a short practical and powerful list to help those who need guidance. We advise you to find reliable news outlets for up to date information about the medical and logistical matters connected to COVID-19, but we offer you this, knowing that knowing those things are good, but that will not give you a calm heart- only God can. So, we pray this helps you connect closer to him. This will not be an exhaustive list. It will be brief, touching on some essentials.
God Bless You.
1- Look to God’s word
It could be easy to just abandon practices of faith in these tense times. But we’re also told by this great Christ-centered man of Faith not to “conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
As hard as it may be to believe, whether this disease came, we live in a sinful world. Sin is worse of all viral diseases. The things laid out in this article are practical and can help us all be at peace and be encouraged through this pandemic, but as Christians, we need to practice these 24 hours a day, 7 days and week. The more we exercise our faith, the more equipped we can be when facing anything. That being said, let’s look at the bible and gain strength through God’s word.
2- Overcome Anxiety.
These are very anxious times. Stock for hand sanitizer companies is likely the highest it’s ever been. We’re confused about how COVID-19 is spreading, and our risks of mortal death if we catch it. It makes sense why everyone anxiously on eggshells. So, what can we do?
We can face this practically, but we also need to face this prayerfully. Do a deep search on COVID-19 to be up to date on the details of it. Make sure you’re doing what’s been advised but gain perfect peace the way Paul taught.
The apostle laid it out a long time ago when he told the church in Philippi not to be anxious. He left no room for nagging anxiety when he said (about anything). He then went onto say that, “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:6-7
In a desire to overcome this, AM Chapter leaders staff members and affiliates are joining nightly for 3 minute prayer time, starting at 9 PM Eastern. We’re coming together in spirit, praying for God to overcome this virus, and heal anyone who may have been infected. Please join at this time to seek God’s grace.
3-Prepare
Walmart is on the verge of looking like it went out of business these days. Everyone is preparing, buying canned foods, and other necessities. This is understandable. But the mass purchasing seems like we’re trying to survive in a post-apocalyptical world. That doesn’t sound fun at all.
As Isiah 53:5-6 says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
And Jesus did this for us, preparing us for a new life- eternal life. When it’s our time to pass on from this world to the next, no amount of food, hand sanitizer or other precautionary things can stop that. What we should do is be prepared for that day by making sure we’ve opened our heart to Jesus, trusted what he did on the cross. And if that is a fact of your life, amen! In these times, more than ever, evangelism, witnessing, preaching the Gospel is a must. There are so many people still in the dark on salvation.
While we’re isolated indoors, embrace the people in your heart, the people in this world. Text, call, email, post all over social media about what God did for us through Jesus.
4- Live in light of Jesus
This began as a list of 3, but here at AM International, we try our best to follow in God’s ways of giving abundantly more, so we added 1 more. And we believe this is the most powerful one
So, Coronavirus is officially known as COVID-19. By either of these names, we know of it, and many are very fearful in light of it. But as Christians, we know the name of JESUS! In light of that, we should not be so bogged down by fear.
To help me see this, a friend of mine who loves acronyms told me one he saw online recently. He said COVID-19 stands for Christ Over Viruses & Infectious Diseases. I laughed at first, but it’s true. As mentioned earlier, Isaiah prophetically forecasted that Jesus on the cross would heal us of the ultimate disease -sin. The name of Jesus is like an ice-cold glass of boldness to those who believe. We should live truly brave.
Joshua 1:9(also seen on the meme) tells us “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Through Jesus who died and rose again to save us and give us new life, we know that the Lord our God is with us. So be safe in facing this, but truly be safe trusting in his name.