I’m sure you all have heard about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) which started in Wuhan, China, and has spread to various countries and nationwide in the United States. People have died from it, but others are recovering. Celebrities such as Tom Hanks and his wife, Idris Elba, and some NBA players have also contracted the disease. Store shelves are empty, schools and restaurants are closed, and most people are working from home while others have lost their jobs. Events have been canceled and even the NBA has canceled its games. The Center for Disease Control is recommending that we practice social distancing and stay at home.

All of this sounds pretty frightening. As I walked around in several stores, looking for certain items and seeing empty shelves instead, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow…this looks like something out of a movie.” It didn’t seem real, but it was and still is. I also found myself feeling anxious about everything that’s been going on.

I’ve been looking at Psalm 91 to remind myself that God is my “refuge and fortress”; He’s protected me in so many ways—there were times when I was driving somewhere and witnessed the aftermath of an accident; sometimes I think it could’ve been me if I would’ve left home sooner. I’m thankful that He allows me to make it to my destinations safely. There’s a lot of examples of God’s protection that I can’t list here; they will have to be turned into blog posts (some of them already are!). Psalm 91 also mentions how God will “surely deliver us from the noisome pestilence” and how “no plague will come near our dwelling.” His word says that we can count on Him to protect us! In addition, I do think we need to continue taking precautions—wash our hands thoroughly, eat the right foods to build up our immune systems, practice social distancing, cover our mouths when we cough or sneeze, etc.—things that we should be doing even if the virus wasn’t around. Overall, if we look back at the different ways God protected and helped us, those memories will give us strength and help us remember who He is. The enemy loves to cause chaos and confusion and tries so hard to throw us off track. I’m praying for all of us believers to be strengthened and to be filled with Jesus’ peace. I repent of giving in to fear.

Perhaps this corona virus is God’s judgement for things occurring in the world (leaving Him out of everything, serving other gods, etc.) but I believe He’s still being merciful. I am praying that more people will come to know Him and follow Him instead of following the world or themselves. This is my prayer:

Lord, I pray that those who do not know You or acknowledge You will do so during this time. I see so many comments online of people who don’t know you and as a result, they question Your character and why You allow certain things to happen in this world. I believe some of them are angry about things that have occurred in their lives and are looking for answers; some of them may also be looking for understanding and trying to see things logically but we can’t rely on logic and facts because you are a supernatural God. We also won’t understand everything that happens. And others may be intentionally spreading confusion, hate, and doubt. I pray that you touch the hearts and minds of unbelievers (atheists, agnostics, etc.) and show them who You really are. Let them know that You desire relationship and not religion. Show them how to live and give them guidance and peace when they accept You in their hearts. Amen.

Gotta add my disclaimer: God doesn’t force Himself on us and people will still make their own decisions as to who they will serve. But it can’t hurt to pray.