Keeping Your Faith During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Article written by Kadie

This is picture of person praying in an empty church

Until a couple weeks ago, the coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, was just another illness sweeping across China. It was something that may or may not have an impact on the US. When the first few cases showed up in New York, California, and Washington, the threat still seemed distant. Even when my employer started talking about work from home options and my husband came home from the store talking about people loading carts with water and toilet paper, it still felt distant.

The reality hit me a few days later when I went to Walmart for cat food and witnessed the distribution of toilet paper to a long line of customers under the watchful eye a local police officer. I thought, “Wow.  This is really happening.”

Since then the number of confirmed cases in our country has steadily increased. But we’ve also learned more about the virus. We now know that it is airborne and that it can live on surfaces such as cloth, paper, plastic and metal. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website, the virus spreads mainly from person-to-person;

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

This virus has shown itself to be highly contagious. The best way to get this under control is for each of us to take responsibility by following the recommendations of the CDC to prevent spreading it. Instructions are provided on the CDC website. (Links provided at the end of this article).

Prevention Is Key

One of the primary measures for prevention is “social distancing,” keeping at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding physical contact such as shaking hands, and limiting to fewer than 10 people in a closed area. But human beings are social by nature. We need each other. In the midst of this, we have to find ways to maintain our communities.

Here at Life Church at South Mountain, we are following the recommendations of our government and the Church of God state office by holding Livestream services only. Even if we can’t come together in person, we have the technology in place to continue to join in worship and to bring God’s Word to you in your homes.

We want you know that Life Church and its leadership team are here for you. Pastor Greg Pratt is posting videos regularly from his home to encourage and keep us informed. You can send prayer requests by texting 602-770-7922 or submit them on our website.

Five Ways To Bless The Church

Please remember that the church needs us too. I ran across a wonderful blog on Core Christianity by Adreil Sanchez, “Five Ways to Bless the Church During Coronavirus” that provides some excellent points. I’ve borrowed Adriel’s points and added my own comments below.

1. Remember your family in Christ.

“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”
Hebrews 13:3

For those who are quarantined due to illness, isolated in their homes, or trapped away from home due to travel restrictions, the experience is much like imprisonment.

2. Serve those who are in need.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:24-25

We must continue to come together through the means that God has provided. We must also look out for each other however we can. This could mean bringing groceries or other necessities to someone older who is completely shut in.

3. Pray through the darkness.

“Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”
Daniel 6:10

Our continued prayer shows that we know God is in control. No matter what happens, or what changes in this world, Jesus Christ has accomplished the ultimate goal.

4. Listen to State and Medical officials.

“All of you must obey those who rule over you. There are no authorities except the ones God has chosen.”
Romans 13:1

The scripture above speaks for itself. But I know that it may be difficult to obey the instructions laid out by the government and the CDC when you are not sick and feeling fine. But consider this. It’s possible to come into contact with this virus and not be affected. Your immune system may be strong enough to fight it off before it really takes hold. You may never know you had it. But others you come into contact with may not be so lucky. They may have weaker immune systems and be more vulnerable.

5. Don’t stop giving to your church.

“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,”
2 Corinthians 8:2-3

This is a time of difficulty and uncertainty, but don’t stop giving. Pastor is still working hard. Others in the church are still working hard to bring you God’s message. Life Church still needs your support.

This is a difficult time, but if we put our faith in God and work together, He will see us through it.

References and Resources

To submit prayer requests you can use the form on our Prayer Request page.

Read Adreil Sanchez’s blog, “Five Ways to Bless the Church During Coronavirus” here:

https://corechristianity.com/resource-library/articles/five-ways-to-bless-the-church-during-coronavirus

For more information on the Corona Virus:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html

To give to Life Church you can use the form on our Tithes and Offerings page.

Karen Corbin - Media director at Life Church at South Mountain
Kadie
Editor | Media Director
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