#PeacePandemic
Pastor Robin Schara / Director Global Missions and Women's Ministry
A lot has changed in a month. The world has literally stopped. All around the planet people are in their homes staying sheltered from the COVID-19 virus. A month ago, you would have never thought that something like this would ever happen. Life as we know it is no longer life as we knew.
In the midst of this COVID-19 virus so much focus in the news is on death or dying. The grief that is hovering over the world is like a dark cloud. Loss, fear, worry, and concern is on everyone’s mind. Questioning if this is ever going to end? Will we make it through? Will we get the virus?
People are adjusting to a new normal, moms are teaching their children school lessons, people are working from their homes, and the story continues for each one of us. My heart breaks as I think of different scenarios and stories that I have heard these past few weeks. Loved ones dying or seriously sick. Hospitals full beyond capacity. Medical teams pushed beyond their limits. Nursing home communities isolated from loved ones.
We will all remember these days and will talk about them in the future. This is a mark in the history of the world that will outlast the pandemic. Life will be different after the virus is under control. How will it be different? Only time will tell. Just like life was different after 9/11 and the World Wars, life will be different after the COVID-19 virus.
Yet, in the midst of this I have an indescribable sense of peace that can’t be explained, other than a feeling that God is up to something. This pandemic is a reality check that we have little, if any, control in life. Maybe that is where my peace comes from, the fact that I know God is in control. He always has been and always will be in control. Jesus said, “…that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
In desperate times God’s people shine. An act of kindness, a prayer, words of encouragement, a card, a meal, making masks, all offer peace. Many idols have been knocked down, families are spending more time together, all over the world non-Christians are reaching out to Christians for answers. There is a greater openness to the Gospel. God’s church presence online has exploded. God is not limited by this pandemic; His presence is everywhere and right now is needed everywhere to bring peace into this crazy world.
I have had the opportunity to speak with many missionaries all over the world this past week. Everyone is in the same situation. Missionaries are speaking of people turning to them for answers. The groundwork that has been laid in the past has opened the door now to be able to speak of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Even the most resistant people are seeking the hope we have. What is the hope we have in Jesus Christ? Our hope is that we have an open door to heaven. That is comforting in this pandemic to be confident of our eternal destiny. The Gospel is the key and we can share that key with others. God has opened the door of people’s minds, hearts and souls to learn about God the Father, Jesus the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Heaven is real and pieces of heaven can be shared now. Besides the Gospel, we can share all we know that is true. God is love. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is in control. He can be trusted. He is a healer, a forgiver, and full of grace and mercy. He is a peace giver.
This world is filled with people who are grieving, lonely, brokenhearted, isolated and full of fear. We have hope for the grieving, Jesus proclaimed, “blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Mathew 5:4) Jesus is with the lonely, “behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.” (John 16:32) “Jesus heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
Jesus offers help to the isolated, “for I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13) He encourages the fearful, “be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
I desire to share what I know about God to provide peace in this pandemic to my friends, family and neighbors who are seeking answers. Keeping my eyes focused on Jesus has given me this indescribable peace; why would I not want to share this Good News with those who are looking for answers?
We all have been learning about our Savior for years, now is the time to pass on what we have learned. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1) Serving Him gives us opportunities to share Him, so I will continue to look for opportunities God has given me to be a light in our community. When we let our light shine before others, we glorify our Father in Heaven. #peacepandemic #EHchurch
For ways to serve and be a light in this pandemic, check out ehwc.org/peace/help.
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| www.ehwc.org/peace |
In the midst of this COVID-19 virus so much focus in the news is on death or dying. The grief that is hovering over the world is like a dark cloud. Loss, fear, worry, and concern is on everyone’s mind. Questioning if this is ever going to end? Will we make it through? Will we get the virus?
People are adjusting to a new normal, moms are teaching their children school lessons, people are working from their homes, and the story continues for each one of us. My heart breaks as I think of different scenarios and stories that I have heard these past few weeks. Loved ones dying or seriously sick. Hospitals full beyond capacity. Medical teams pushed beyond their limits. Nursing home communities isolated from loved ones.
We will all remember these days and will talk about them in the future. This is a mark in the history of the world that will outlast the pandemic. Life will be different after the virus is under control. How will it be different? Only time will tell. Just like life was different after 9/11 and the World Wars, life will be different after the COVID-19 virus.
Yet, in the midst of this I have an indescribable sense of peace that can’t be explained, other than a feeling that God is up to something. This pandemic is a reality check that we have little, if any, control in life. Maybe that is where my peace comes from, the fact that I know God is in control. He always has been and always will be in control. Jesus said, “…that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
In desperate times God’s people shine. An act of kindness, a prayer, words of encouragement, a card, a meal, making masks, all offer peace. Many idols have been knocked down, families are spending more time together, all over the world non-Christians are reaching out to Christians for answers. There is a greater openness to the Gospel. God’s church presence online has exploded. God is not limited by this pandemic; His presence is everywhere and right now is needed everywhere to bring peace into this crazy world.
I have had the opportunity to speak with many missionaries all over the world this past week. Everyone is in the same situation. Missionaries are speaking of people turning to them for answers. The groundwork that has been laid in the past has opened the door now to be able to speak of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Even the most resistant people are seeking the hope we have. What is the hope we have in Jesus Christ? Our hope is that we have an open door to heaven. That is comforting in this pandemic to be confident of our eternal destiny. The Gospel is the key and we can share that key with others. God has opened the door of people’s minds, hearts and souls to learn about God the Father, Jesus the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Heaven is real and pieces of heaven can be shared now. Besides the Gospel, we can share all we know that is true. God is love. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is in control. He can be trusted. He is a healer, a forgiver, and full of grace and mercy. He is a peace giver.
This world is filled with people who are grieving, lonely, brokenhearted, isolated and full of fear. We have hope for the grieving, Jesus proclaimed, “blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Mathew 5:4) Jesus is with the lonely, “behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.” (John 16:32) “Jesus heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)
Jesus offers help to the isolated, “for I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13) He encourages the fearful, “be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
I desire to share what I know about God to provide peace in this pandemic to my friends, family and neighbors who are seeking answers. Keeping my eyes focused on Jesus has given me this indescribable peace; why would I not want to share this Good News with those who are looking for answers?
We all have been learning about our Savior for years, now is the time to pass on what we have learned. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1) Serving Him gives us opportunities to share Him, so I will continue to look for opportunities God has given me to be a light in our community. When we let our light shine before others, we glorify our Father in Heaven. #peacepandemic #EHchurch
For ways to serve and be a light in this pandemic, check out ehwc.org/peace/help.