An Overcoming Spirit in the Midst of Crisis
Borders closing. Food shelves bare. Churches unable to meet. Never in history have we encountered anything quite like what our world is facing. How we respond as Jesus followers says a lot about who we are.
As missionaries, will we seize this opportunity to share Christ’s love, compassion and hope?
In these critical months, we as His disciples must rise above the chaos. We must allow God to use this crisis, first in our own lives. As we listen carefully and discern God’s will, His Kingdom will advance through us.
Challenges are always great opportunities. How might God want to use the Coronavirus to accelerate people coming into His family?
In Christ, we are more than conquerors. Nothing can separate us from His love.
We are bearers of hope, peace, and faith. Like no time in modern history, we have an opportunity to rise up. When we live differently during this season, the waiting world will see Jesus.
A History of Service
In the 14th century, there was a plague called the Black Death. Thousands were dying. In panic, families with sick members kicked them out on the streets to fend for themselves. Who cared for them? Christians did. Taking great risks, Christian volunteers, including Martin Luther and his wife, took sick people in.
They served food to them, and extended love and care. It was costly. Some volunteers died. Many thousands were saved through simple treatments and care by those who were unafraid.
What made them willing to serve in such a time?
Their rock solid faith in Jesus. They knew where they would spend eternity, and did not fear death. It held no hold on them. The love of Christ gripped their hearts far more strongly than the fear so rampant around them.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 NIV.
4 Ways Christians and Missionaries Should Respond to COVID-19
1. Let God work in your own life.
Now is a time to press in to God. As social contact is stripped away, and we are isolated, we have time to pray, fast, and worship. Press in and allow God to deepen your faith. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Let Him renew you, and restore intimacy that life’s busyness may have allowed to drift.
Cast your fears upon Him and find peace. Many people know scripture says we shouldn’t worry about anything. Our minds know that “by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, we must present our requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6). Now is the time for us to not only know these scriptures but to experience the reality of them.
If you are struggling with fear, there is no shame in that.
Take it to Him. Let His still small voice whisper to you one of the most repeated phrases in the Bible, “Do not be afraid.” He is with you. You are not alone.
2. Reach out to others with compassion and encouragement.
While this is a great challenge for Christ followers, how much more is it a crisis for those without the hope we have in Him? Many are ill, and more may fall sick in coming days. The greater crisis to come may be economic, as the effects of COVID-19 on the world markets takes its toll.
We must rise up and share His good news. Who could you extend compassion to? Lend a listening, empathetic ear? Even if that ear is on the phone, or via messages and chats? Be a beacon of hope and life.
In times of crisis and even great loss, as we love others, God strengthens and heals us as well.
3. Proclaim the gospel message in new and creative ways.
Great difficulty brings great opportunity, but we must think differently. We must be creative and innovative.
In “normal times” you went to a church building and gathered with others. That’s no longer possible for many. The church isn’t a building anyhow, it is people! How can you gather with friends to study God’s word, to pray together?
Could you use Whatsapp groups, Facebook groups, Zoom or Teams, to meet together with a few friends for prayer?
A colleague told me about believers in China who have been facing lockdown for much longer than the rest of the world. They share scripture passages with their not yet believing friends. Then they gather on a social media group platform to discuss the passages. They do simple Discovery Bible Study, and discuss the Word. Then they pray together.
Could you start a simple online group, invite a small group of people to gather for the study of scripture?
4. Love and serve those afflicted.
Loves does. Our actions must back up our words in this season. While we exercise wisdom, we must serve a hurting, terrified world. What that looks like in your context will be different than mine.
a. Could you make phone calls to elderly people trapped at home? Help them by ordering their groceries for them online? Many older people do not know how to use the technology available to serve them.
b. Does someone need help to go to the doctor, or gain access to available medical services? If you are serving in a country where these services are limited, your advocacy could make the difference between life and death.
c. Are you able to raise funds for those who can’t afford medical care? This is a time for Christians to give sacrificially. Being careful how we do this, so we don’t create dependency long term, we can come alongside our brothers and sisters at this time of crisis.
Last, but certainly not least, will you pray? Cry out to God for His purposes to be fulfilled. Pray for your city and community to be protected and safe. Pray for wisdom for the government and those serving in medical professions. Pray for God to draw thousands into a relationship with Him through this. He will answer our earnest prayers.
It’s Our Time to Shine
Let God use you. He has chosen you and given you power to live as a victor in this crisis. May your light shine brightly.
What is one thing you will do to live as an overcomer in this time of crisis? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below or on the Missionary Life Facebook group.