(adapted from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. ~1 Thessalonians 5:11 As humans, it is natural for us to be concerned about what is going on around us. Here are five things we can do in response to the ongoing COVID-19: 1. Pray earnestly and without ceasing. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:18) As believers, we look up, seek God through prayer, and trust in His sovereignty. Prayer is one of our most powerful resources. When we are at a loss for words in prayer, ask the Holy Spirit for help. He is our intercessor and pleads on our behalf before the throne of God. 2. Root yourself in God’s Word Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. (Proverbs 30:5). How do we find comfort and hope in this situation? God’s Word is our refuge and comfort. Let us look to the Bible for God’s mercy and faithfulness. Here are a few: Ps. 27:1; Deut. 31:8; Ps. 23:4; Job 5:11; Lam. 3:22-23; John 14:27; Ps. 46:1; 2 Cor. 1:3; Ps. 119:76; John 16:33; Ps. 139:11-12; Isa. 49:13; Matt. 5:4; Ps. 55:22; Rom. 8:37-39. 3. Guard your heart Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. (Prov. 4:23) It is important to recognize how what we view, read and hear can affect us; they can be physically, emotionally and spiritually damaging. We need to counteract them with God’s power and strength. If you are worried or need to talk, reach out to a brother and sister. Please know that as your pastor, I am available to talk to you. 4. Care for others Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2) Besides guarding your heart, you can also support your brothers and sisters as we are all experiencing this situation together. Let us share God’s hope and love with one another through this time. 5. Support Crisis Ministry … not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Phil. 2:4) No matter how helpless the situation gets, when we take action to serve others selflessly, we allow God’s perfect peace to fill our heart. If you cannot help in person, you can share hope with others through your giving. Your generosity matters as it enables God’s work to go on. Comments are closed.
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