In a time where the wearing of masks isn’t limited to supervillains and superheroes, the entire world joins forces to battle a common enemy. The weapons in 犀利士 our arsenal include a total or partial lockdown, enhanced testing, and social distancing. The enemy, a pandemic whose only known vaccine is the prescription to stay at home.
No fans in the stadiums, no actors in the theatres but pastors remain behind the pulpits speaking words of hope despite COVID-19. As the Bible proclaims in Romans 10:17,” Faith comes by hearing…” as such the words spoken behind the pulpit have helped build the faith of its hearers during this period. What has faith got to do with a pandemic?
Faith Over Fear
Phrases like ‘Fear not’, ‘Do not be afraid’, ’Do not be anxious’ which exhort us to overcome fear are found over 300 times in the bible. What is paramount, however, is that most of these scriptures implore us to have confidence in the Lord and his word.
The ‘arrival’ of COVID-19 has struck fear into a lot of souls but the antidote to alleviate fear is faith in God and his word. We have learned to believe in God’s word in these trying times instead of focusing on the increasing numbers of COVID-19 infections. I am holding on to the words in Psalm 91:10,” There shall no evil befall me, neither shall any plague come near my dwelling”. God’s word is essential in our daily survival in and out of perilous times.
Corporate Prayer
“ Again I say unto you that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven ”(Matthew 18:19). Another thing COVID-19 has taught me about my Christian faith is that there is power in corporate prayer. On 25th March 2020, the president of the country declared a fast against the COVID-19 pandemic. I witnessed Ghanaians from all walks of life observing and partaking in the national fast.
It is my belief that such prayer is really as effective as Matthew 18:19 asserts. Seeing a nation in unity in one of the toughest periods in our history yet was a lesson that prayer was the only way humanity allows God to intervene in its affairs. Where science fails God prevails.
Praying For Leadership
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1).
“The King’s hand is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD, He turns it wherever He will.”(Proverbs 21:1)
We had never witnessed a situation where church activities were banned until we had cases of COVID-19. We noticed that all churches and Christian leaders have complied with the president’s prescription because the bible admonishes us to do so.
If the Bible commands that leaders should be obeyed, then it is important that people in the Christian faith intercede for leaders that they would heed to the will of God in their decision making. The impact that national leaders can have on our lives is enormous therefore we ought to keep them in prayer so that they come up with effective methods in battling COVID-19.
The Church Is Not A Building
I haven’t been to the church building in over a month, but I have had church service on Sundays and Wednesdays and leadership meetings on Tuesdays. This teaches a crucial lesson; COVID-19 can prevent gatherings in the church building but it cannot prevent the church from worshipping. God is spirit and they that worship him must do so in spirit and In truth.
God does not require us to worship him in designated buildings, all he requires is that our gatherings – whether physically or virtually – are in his name (Matthew 18:20). The church is us. Every single Christian is a part of God’s church. We are all in one accord regardless of the place of worship.
Even in the toughest periods, God is close to us and he will never leave us nor forsake us. By his stripes, we are healed and by faith, we affirm that COVID-19 shall be expunged.