The world and our nation are contending with a very aggressive, contagious virus. Its sudden appearance has brought much apprehension, loss of peace, security and raw fear. Fear of the unknown and anxiety may lead some to forget to pray and praise God. Regardless of its severity, we must never let worldly things or events shake our faith and trust in our Heavenly Father.
With safety of the citizenry in mind, decisions have been made by governments to restrict the number of people at public gatherings. This has caused some faithful Christians to question and doubt this secular instruction. But we must remember, it is God who places leaders in the governments of the world. “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Romans 13:1). Therefore, governments are charged with protecting people from harm.
In like manner, as Disciples of Christ, we must not only remember to pray for our governmental leaders, we must first place our highest trust in our God approved Elders. We must pray for them without ceasing, for they have an enormous responsibility to make decisions regarding our souls. Follow their lead, for they make no decisions without much prayer and consideration concerning our souls and our general welfare.
So brethren, we must cast aside all doubt and fear. To accomplish this, we must “…consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:3). Whenever Christians feel down, discouraged, or even facing defeat, they need only to recall how Jesus was mistreated and murdered on a cross. The problems Christians are called upon to bear in this present life are trivial when compared to His suffering.
Without spiritual strength it is impossible to successfully compete against the enemies of this present world. Proper training in the Word of God heals and lifts Saints above hardships of the flesh. The Hebrew penman, writing of the need to run effectively for Christ, declared, “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). Surrounded by the faithful example of those who have gone before, disciples must set aside all earthly concerns and run so as to obtain the glorious prize. Endurance is the key to overcoming. It can only be developed by “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:2). So, do not fear! Pray morning noon and night for God to guard and protect your brothers, sisters and your neighbors.
We do not know when the final end for this destructive virus will come but regardless, if the worst must come, before the better, keep the faith, for we know we have a home in Heaven. Hear the apostle John “This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life. (1 John 2:25). Rejoice and praise His name!