The Coronavirus: Take 2 by Lisa Burkhardt Worley

I had just returned from a ministry trip to Lubbock and Abilene, Texas but on the way home, even though I was tired, I stopped at the grocery store for weekend groceries and to restock some things we were out of. When I first walked into Kroger, I was shocked to see there were no shopping carts available; however, I was able to snag a small cart when one was returned. As you might have experienced yourself, the aisles were packed with people with overflowing baskets.

One of the items I needed to pick up was a six-pack of toilet paper. We were running low but when I arrived at the TP aisle, I was doubly surprised to see empty shelves where the bathroom tissue had once been in full-supply. That’s when I confirmed that shoppers were panicked about the Coronavirus and were hoarding supplies. In fact, even today, every store seems to be out of this particular household necessity.

I think it’s wise to be prepared for a possible quarantine but I think many in our society have moved into full-blown paralyzing fear of the Coronavirus. Here are some thoughts as I pray through this.

Instead of pressing into fear, I think we need to press into prayer. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

How many of us are stopping to pray against the Coronavirus? Have we asked God to heal our land? Have we requested that this disease have a short life span and that it will dissipate as quickly as it arrived? We should never underestimate the unified prayer of God’s people. “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).

Half the battle is believing in the power of prayer to call forth the power of God in our lives.

Look at a reduced schedule as an opportunity. The April major events I was involved in have canceled. I am praying to use this unexpected time to complete projects like organizing my house and to get back to writing a book I’ve set aside. Instead of worrying, I am focusing on the positive and desiring to glorify God in whatever I do, small or large-scale. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24).

Listen to what medical experts are telling us. We need to wash our hands regularly. The people in danger are older, high-risk, individuals. If you fall into that category, use discernment about going into crowded venues. More people have died from the flu than the Coronavirus. We need to keep it all in perspective.

Trust God. If you have placed your faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, He is there to guide you through any difficult scenario. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

Regardless of the pandemic status of the Coronavirus, there does not have to be pandemonium. I still have the peace that only the Lord of Hosts can provide. If you are struggling to have peace, then pray that God will saturate you with His presence. Peace will follow.