We find ourselves in a situation never before experienced by most of us. I didn’t realize that there was a flu pandemic in 1968 that took 100,000 lives in the US. As a child, I was totally unaware. Today, we are all aware. All around us we see change. Employers are scrambling to keep their employees safe and their businesses open. While some employees are working from home, others have been laid off due to shutdowns. Schools are closed as teachers and administrators figure out how to keep education moving forward with online classes and technology. Grocery shelves are hard-hit as shoppers panic about everyday necessities. Health workers are risking their health and lives to care for those who are sick. The stock market is in a downturn as fear grips the financial world. What are we going to do? We cannot dismiss the seriousness of what’s happening and we cannot freak out and live in panic and fear. As Christians what does God expect? How can we turn a time of crisis into an opportunity to share Christ with others?

Scripture – Ro 12:2; Jn 14:1, 27; 2 Ti 1:7; 2 Co 5:7; Ph 2:3-4; Mt 5:14-16; Jn 15:19; 1 Th 4:13; Mt 4:4, 6:13, 19, 34; Lk 22:42; 2 Co 5:7; Col 3:2; Js 1:4; Ga 6:9; Ep 6:12; Ph 4:6-7; 2 Co 4:7-9

Verses – Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Ro 12:2) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (Jn 14:27) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Ti 1:7) For we live by faith, not by sight. (2 Co 5:7) Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (Ph 2:3-4)

Thought – As Christians we are called to respond with faith, not fear. Jesus offers his followers supernatural peace that the world cannot give or understand. While we need to be wise and informed regarding how to protect ourselves and others, we need to cling to God’s peace knowing that He is still in control. He is not surprised or panicked or afraid about what is happening. He has a plan. Living by faith means not living by sight. As we look around, we “see” what is happening, but we cannot allow it to flood our hearts with fear. We live by faith in the One who holds the future in His hands. So, don’t respond like the world; respond as a child of God who is living confidently in God’s plan. As Christians we are also called to be sacrificial. Though our nature from birth is selfishness, through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit we become more and more like Jesus. We learn to defer to the needs of others. During tough times the New Testament believers joined together to help one another, support one another, provide for one another. Though we cannot physically meet together, we are a body—the body of Christ. As the church of Jesus Christ, let’s look to the needs of others and not hoard and store up more than we need. Sacrifice your time to encourage someone; help someone who cannot or should not get out by picking up groceries for them. Reflect God’s love and be a light in the darkness. Use this opportunity to be an influence for Him.

Questions – Are you experiencing fear or peace in the present pandemic? Explain. How do you plan to live your life over the next few weeks? How can you use this time to grow in your faith? How can you use this time to share Christ with others? Who can you reach? How will you reach them?

Response – Decide how you can help others during this crisis. Make a list of people you will reach out to. It may be by listening to them, praying with them, offering them counsel or words of comfort. It may be checking on an elderly neighbor or friend who needs someone to bring them a few groceries or pick up a prescription. There is something that you can do to shine light into someone’s life. Do it!

Prayer
Most merciful Father, we find ourselves in a place we’ve never been. We pray that your wisdom and guidance would rest upon our leaders and upon those who are working to find a cure and a vaccine for this terrible virus. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon them and may they seek you and know you in this desperate hour. Place your hand of protection upon the health care community as they care for those who are ill. Keep our hearts at peace, resting in your Almighty power. Please bless our families, our church, our community and our nation through this time, and help many to come to know you in the midst of this crisis. Let your light shine through us. Keep us safely in your care. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.