How a Christian Can Respond to Our Current Crisis

By now you’ve certainly heard that Prince William County Schools have closed operations for at least the next few weeks. As a result, we will be hosting a live streaming service on our YouTube channel for you to watch in the comfort of your home or wherever you might be every Sunday until further notice.

But we don’t want to just point you toward the live stream. We want to direct you toward the peace and hope we can have in the midst of the proverbial storm we all seem to be in together. Here’s some encouragement from one of our Worship Pastors, Kelly R. Baker, who can also be found frequently blogging at kellyrbaker.com.

How does a Christian need to respond during our current crisis? Take advantage of these promises from the Bible and be encouraged. #crisis #encouragement #biblical #pandemic

We read about worst-case scenarios and hear heart-gripping stories of doctors having to choose which of the three lives in front of him he’s going to save—because there are not enough resources available. It’s overwhelming.

“What if” type thoughts can arrive uninvited, threatening to send your mind spiraling into almost-panic mode (because, of course, you’d never panic).

What if I get it? What if I infect my family? What if I die??

And that’s when the icy grip of fear can start to creep over your heart. “What if” are the two words fear uses to ensnare us.

The experts tell us to implement something called “social distancing.” (As a mother of sometimes stinky teenage boys, I’m in favor.) What does social distancing mean? They advise us to keep our bodies spaced six feet apart from others while in public. This common-sense recommendation provides a safety shield.

The guidance continues with avoiding large gatherings, working from home, and even taking advantage of food delivery options. For a short season, it might seem tolerable. But in the possibility of a long space of time? You begin to actually miss that coworker that rubs you the wrong way. You tell yourself that Aunt Gertha’s breath really isn’t that bad; you want to see her again. Or you imagine hanging out with that quirky neighbor that you have nothing in common with but really striking a chord.

The fact is: being with people makes life enjoyable. (Yet another reason not to miss out on “assembling ourselves together” Hebrews 10:25).

Long stretches of social distancing threaten to invite an even greater dismal outlook to the future. We need each other. The awkwardness of standing apart makes you feel alone.

Then there’s the possibility that someone you know is required to go into quarantine. They can’t get around anyone. It’s sad. You can imagine how awful that must be. Being in quarantine makes social distancing sound lovely.

You’ve applied wisdom and prepared, but maybe they didn’t? Or maybe they did but not enough. Do they need food? Medicine? Toilet paper?

How is a Christian supposed to respond?

Let’s address each of the three issues above.

First, fear.

One of my favorite verses to combat the spirit of fear is 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) which says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” God gave you three weapons here in the fight against fear. He gave you His power:

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19 NKJV

What a great promise! Next, He gave you His love:

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 NKJV

Finally, He gave you a sound mind:

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

Trusting Him is a concrete key to a peace-filled mind! We need to remind ourselves of His promises before we do anything else because it will affect our choices. And we need to make God-filled choices.

Second, social distancing.

God’s Truth comforts. When you feel alone, remember that you are part of the Body of Christ and God is always with you (Matthew 28:20).

There is never a need for Him to distance Himself from you. Nothing separates us from His love (Romans 8:37-39)! He’s faithful, reliable, and dependable.

He’s with us as we go through this crisis. Pray. Talk to Him. Declare His promises. He will listen and respond (Psalm 34:15).

Finally, someone you know is in quarantine.

Especially if that person is elderly or has some other type of physical limitation, step out in love and offer a helping hand. You’ve got fear behind you, you’re trusting in God, you know He is with you. That’s why you can help those in need and the two words fear uses to ensnare us.

Let’s follow this command:

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10 NKJV