During this time of the coronavirus ‘pandemic’, political unrest and rioting in some areas of our country, there are different ideas on how to respond. Many are overwhelmed and confused. We can put our differences aside and show grace and ask God what He wants us to do. We have hope in Jesus’s words: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:17). Instead of responding with fear and panic, we as Christians can respond with faith and wisdom.
I have been reading one of Dr David Jeremiah’s books, Shelter in God and some of his blogs and he offers some strategies that we can implement as we face the uncertainties of these last several months (some in his words, some in mine and then of course, God’s Words/Scripture):
1. Concentrate on Prayer. “We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” 2 Chronicles 20:12. During this time, the question is: will we pray or will we worry? One author has said, “It takes the same amount of energy to worry as to pray. One leads to peace, the other to panic.”
2. Control Your Mind. “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7. Begin by being in the Word of God every day and then invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts. A mind centered on the truth of God is the key to controlling your mind.
3. Count Your Blessings. From the Lord’s abundance, we have received countless blessings. Let’s take the opportunity to slow down, focus on Him and be thankful for His Blessings!
4. Claim Your Promises. Isaiah 12:2 states “Behold God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid.” God has given us many promises in His Word – we just need to claim them!.
5. Consider Your Responsibility. There are others who need to be encouraged and cared for. There are so many things you can do, but some simple suggestions are to call or text an encouraging word or offer to run an errand for someone who is housebound. With our extraordinary acts of kindness, perhaps we Christians can be viewed as a caring community and our faith be taken more seriously. You can be the hands of Jesus reaching out to those in need today – consider it your responsibility.
6. Continue Your Work. Rather than focusing on what we cannot do, let’s focus on what we can do. The fact that we are on this earth is a clear indication that God has meaningful work for us to do. If we pray and ask God for guidance, He will show us the next thing to do.
In summary, let us choose hope over confusion, humility over arrogance, empathy over self-interest and faith over fear. Let us also see today and tomorrow through the prism of God’s grace and love.
Jerri Landers
Financial Secretary