Are you confused about the COVID-19 pandemic? I am. It’s hard to know what to believe because even the “experts” and the highest-ranking officials don’t agree on where the virus came from, how it is transmitted, how to prevent its spread, or what can be done to eradicate it without creating harmful unintended consequences.

I don’t really care how or where the virus began because the information is irrelevant at this point. It is the continual barrage of bio-political non-information that is causing fear and anxiety amongst the entire population. We just don’t know what is true, so we don’t know what to do. When we don’t know what to do, we are easily tempted to become anxious.

Keep a Grounded Perspective

BREAKING NEWS! – CORONAVIRUS CLAIMS 639,000 LIVES!

In non-breaking news, COVID-19 deaths account for less than 2% of all deaths in 2020 year-to-date.

Also, in non-breaking news, 174 PEOPLE DEAD IN MYANMAR MINE COLLAPSE! Bet you didn’t hear about that. It happened on July 2, 2020.

Stay grounded by realizing that you don’t have all the information available, that not all the information you hear is valid, and that there are families suffering from other tragedies about which we know nothing.

Accept Peace Through Prayer

First, remind yourself that prayer is neither the least you can do, nor is it a last resort after all else fails. Praying is the most powerful thing you can if you are a Christian.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all He has done.

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)

We don’t need to minimize either the realities or the potential of the COVID-19 virus. However, we need to acknowledge, accept, and engage in the power of prayer. We serve a sovereign God who loves us and who hears our prayers. Replace your anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving.

• Pray that the Lord will show Himself mighty and strong to save.
• Pray that He will draw multitudes into a personal relationship with Him in which there is nothing to fear.
• Pray for the healing of those who have the virus.
• Pray for the safety and strength of healthcare workers
• Pray for the provision of an efficacious vaccine.
• Pray for the protection of people with other health issues that put them among those who are at greater risk from the effects of the virus.
• Pray for those who have lost their source of income and who need to provide food and other necessities of life for their families.

Provide for Others in Need

Paul ends his discourse on love in I Corinthians 13 with, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these [is] love.” (NKJV)

The love he speaks of is characterized by kindness and selfless generosity that lead us to pursue the best interests of other people. Jesus told the teachers of His day that the first and greatest commandment from God is to love him with all of our beings. He said that loving others is the second.

We love by serving where we are able and giving what we are able. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers are helping churches and faith-based organizations by serving tirelessly and giving generously. Some readers can do both. Some cannot afford to give, but they can serve. Others may not be able to serve, but they can give.

Let’s be clear. Praying, giving, and serving are not the cures for the curse of COVID-19. Nonetheless, they are effective means of replacing anxiety with peace and of providing for the pressing needs of the people who, in one way or another, have fallen prey to the pandemic.

Pray passionately.

Love and serve generously, even sacrificially.

To learn how you can bring hope and relief to Coronavirus victims across South Asia, click here or contact the FBO of your choice to learn more. You can make a difference!

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