Because we are experiencing a pandemic due to the Coronavirus, life has changed for all of us. There are many restrictions on how we live and because of that many people are angry, fearful, depressed, anxious, and rebellious. We do not work as we normally do, socialize as we normally do, and most importantly we do not worship God as we normally do. Doing things virtually is the new normal and some people turn to food and alcohol for comfort. There is so much suffering, an enormous amount of death, unemployment and hunger. We as Christians must reach out to those who are suffering.
My school mate and friend called me one night, very emotional, depressed, and unable to sleep. Because of the fear caused by restrictions and from the threat of the virus, she told me that she was going to get drunk in order to sleep. I told her to get intoxicated with the Holy Spirit instead of getting drunk. I also prayed with her telling her to “Let go and let God” she eventually calmed down and was able to sleep. In the morning she called me to thank me for my prayers, love, and care which helped her.
Brothers and sisters in Christ – this is what God wants us to do, to take care of one another, to show love and to let people who are suffering know they are not alone. Jesus said, “As much as you do it to one of my brethren you do it unto me.” May God in his infinite mercy comfort, protect, guide, and strengthen us through this most difficult time.
“. . . God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6, NIV)
By Muriel Davis
Photo by Austin Kehmeier on Unsplash