This past week, we received an unusually large amount of prayer requests from families both affected and unaffected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We also received inquiries for guidance on what to do amidst the current (COVID-19) situation. To answer your inquiries, our board of directors have prayerfully provided spiritual and physical encouragement for you and your families in this post. You will find some hyperlinks to resources to further guide you and your families during this time. Keep your feedback coming. We appreciate the honor to serve you during this time. We love you and standing in the gap of prayer.
(A). Spiritual Facts
1. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is a spirit and has to be fed to grow. So is faith. As believers God has given us the power to choose. So instead of choosing to fear, we have the power to choose faith and grow our faith in God. The more we feed our faith, the more it grows with no room or space for fear. This is the time to feed your faith by spending more time in God’s Word, worship, scriptural meditation and prayer.
2. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). There is a reason behind every closure, postponement or cancellations of the things we have all been used to. It takes the Holy Spirit to help us see and understand the wisdom in things we probably would not understand looking from the natural. Leaders are not been fearful by making decisions that disrupt the normal mode of life as we know it. Rather leaders are being responsible by using wisdom to care for the protection of people entrusted to their care. This is an essence of love.
3. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Because God is the same always, this global health crisis did not catch Him unawareness. This is the more reason we need Him now more than ever. We can rely on His peace and joy that are not dependent on what is happening. It is possible to have peace and joy in the midst of all the effects of this COVID-19 situation.
4. “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25). God never leaves us to fend for ourselves in a dark world of viruses and diseases but reminds us He is constantly with us, fighting for us, even when we can’t fully see. We can trust that God is always at work on behalf of His children. He sends His angels to protect and guard, though we may be unaware. Remember, your battle today of uncertainty may be more about what is unseen rather than what is seen.
5. “Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other” (Nehemiah 4:17). As believers in Christ, it is important we pay attention to precautions given by the local, state, national and global entities while we hold firmly to the truth of God’s Word and pray. Because we pray does not negate the practical precautions necessary for not just our safety and protection but for those of others as well. This is part of walking in love.
6. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty”(Psalm 91: 1). While the whole world seems to be in an uproar dwelling on the negative of the virus; we must not forget that God is in control. While people are dwelling on the physical making runs to the stores buying all the germ-killing devices they can obtain and buying food, yet still fearful. Believers must remember that Psalm 91 is true at all times, especially for times like this. This does not mean ignore precautions. Rather it means it’s time to refocus our vision and trust in God.
7. “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Many of God’s people are afraid. Living in fear is exactly what the enemy wants to bring to people. When we live in fear, we take our focus off God and try to handle things ourselves. The supermarkets and grocery shelves are empty because people are afraid of the unknown. This fear of the unknown has created a new problem for grocers. This is a time to be reminded of God’s Word on what to do when we find ourselves afraid of the unknown. We bring hope to a hopeless world and offer the peace that only comes from God.
8. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Though some of you might not be able to be at your local church physically for a while, many churches are still providing an inspiring and encouraging worship experience through online platforms. Make it an experience and participate as you would if you were there in person with your family. The Holy Spirit will meet you right where you are because He is not limited by location or distance.
(B). Physical Facts
1. The coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person; between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
2.Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, these droplets can land in the mouth or nose of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
3. Practicing good hygiene is a good way to limit spread to self or others; such as washing hands often and coughing into elbow.
4. Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
5. Symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after exposure, with severity of symptoms ranging from very mild to severe.
6. Older people or those with existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, may be at higher risk of serious illness.
7. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
8. Practice social and personal responsibility if you have been in close contact with a person that has COVID-19, or you have lived or recently traveled from an area with current spread of COVID-19. Seek medical advice and treatment.
For The Cause of Christ,
Oasis Focus Inc. Board of Directors