How Will We Respond to the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been officially declared a national emergency and now the first confirmed cases have been reported in Idaho. In moments like these, remembering who God is and the promises he has made are both critical and reassuring.
God’s Love grants us perspective:
In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Disease and death are nothing new. And it’s into this very broken world that Christ entered. So, our hope for life isn’t that we’ll be free from calamity. Rather it’s that God promises to be with us through it. Jesus—Immanuel (“God with us”)—has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He came to carry our burdens, heal our diseases, and conquer sin and death. And one glorious day he will return to end all that is wrong and take his people home. Therefore, we need not be afraid. When our nation is gripped by fear and uncertainty, we Christians have the opportunity to show the world what peace and confidence in Jesus look like and to direct all people to turn to him in faith.
God’s Love provides direction:
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Our love for Jesus moves us to sacrifice for others. We won’t shy away from opportunities to serve and care for those in need. And, we will look for the chance to encourage one another in God’s Word and to share God’s love with our community. Love for Jesus also urges us to take any necessary precautions to prevent the spread of illness. For these reasons, let’s agree together to:
- Pray for our communities, our nation, and our world. Ask for healing for those infected, strength for those who care for them, and continued health for those unaffected.
- Serve our neighbors that we might be Christ’s hands and feet in our world. Wherever there is need let’s volunteer, in love for Jesus and for the people he’s placed in our lives.
- Follow the best practices suggested by the CDC to prevent the spread of sickness and disease.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Let’s make love the motivation in all we do, not fear. “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
Prayer
Throughout history, God has guided his church through times of war, plague, persecution, and fear. Jesus, who asked the Father not to take us out of the world but to protect us from the evil one, is with us today with his grace and power. Continue to find your daily peace in God’s Word, and please join us and believers of old in praying to our Father in heaven, who loves us dearly.
Watch, dear Lord, with those who wake or watch or weep tonight, and let your angels protect those who sleep. Tend the sick. Refresh the weary. Sustain the dying. Calm the suffering. Pity the distressed. We ask this for the sake of your love. Amen.