The world is watching the outbreak of the Coronavirus, COVID-19. For people with already higher baseline levels of anxiety, this is an exceptionally difficult time. Fear, panic, and anxiety are at unprecedented levels. If you or someone you love is directly affected by COVID-19, I am so sorry. Please follow appropriate guidelines and instructions from government officials, the CDC and your local health care provider.
While the world is watching the news, the world is also watching the Church. The world is watching the Church quite literally actually as most services around the country this past weekend were held using an online platform. These are unprecedented times to be sure.
In light of this recent outbreak, what we need most is an outbreak of a different kind. What we need is an outbreak of FAITH, not fear, PEACE, not panic and TRUST, not trembling. Philippians 4:6-7 says this, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (CSB) Doesn’t that sound wonderful right now? It’s not a fairy tale, it’s available to every person who names the name of Christ over their lives. Consider also 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” (CSB)
The greatest gift we can offer our hurting world right now is an invitation to a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Additionally, we are positioned in this generation and this time to offer the peace of God, the presence of God and the power of God to a panicked world.
So, ministry leader, how will you leverage this current situation for God’s glory? How will you bring about the peace of God in your communities?
Here are a few suggestions:
- In every conversation, lean into God first. Direct people to Jesus, pray with and for one another.
- In every setting, lean into God’s Word. His Word is not dry ink on a page, it is living and active and relevant for this moment right now.
- In every way possible, lean into community. (Click here for ideas on staying in community while social distancing.)
- In your personal life model what faith, trust, and peace look like when activated. Pray, worship, and stay connected to the Source of your hope and faith. The enemy would love to damage our faith with this, do NOT let him!
Remember, God is in control. He hasn’t fallen asleep or gotten distracted. As we surrender to Him, He will use His people to bring about help, hope and healing during this season.
Kaye Hurta has a Masters Degree in counseling from Liberty University and is a crisis counselor for Women’s Events through Lifeway Christian Resources. Whether speaking, singing or listening, Kaye’s passion is to help others find intimacy with Christ and soul transformation through the living pages of His Word. “I was a wounded, lonely Midwest farm girl until the Divine Romancer swept me off my feet. I want to steward my story well so that others can find Him in their stories and be fully satisfied.” Kaye met and married her husband Chris in Austin, Texas in 1987. They have two daughters through the miracle of adoption, Madison and Cami. They live on Florida’s West Coast and are both on staff at Bayside Community Church. Kaye is also a contributing author for the Lifeway resource, Women Reaching Women in Crisis.