We’re believing that we’re going to come out of this season stronger and better, and that somehow God’s going to bring good even out of this thing that seems so bad.Fear is everywhere and probably a normal part of your daily feelings. We’re going to pray for solutions, for the leaders that are making decisions, for healing for those who are sick, for protection for those in the healthcare and service industries, (add your prayer request here). I’m not sure how long this challenge will last, but I know this, we’re all in this together. We’re going to continue to pray as a church family. Pray, prepare, pray, prepare, and pray some more!.Express gratitude – it makes you happier and boosts your immune system.Let us know if someone in your world is sick and in need.Offer to help someone who is sick by picking up medicine, bringing food or dropping off supplies at the front door.Check on the elderly, those you haven’t heard from in a while, someone you know who struggles with anxiety.Send texts and emails, make phone calls, send cards in the mail when God brings someone to your mind.Could I encourage you, even in the midst of “social distancing” that creates physical space to slow the spread of germs, would you do more “relational reaching”? We have what our world needs during this time – HOPE! The hope that we demonstrate as we love God and love people. You can read about all the precautions we’re taking here. If you’re feeling sick in any way or have health issues that make you more susceptible, please stay home, and join us online at 9am or 11am. I do ask you to use wisdom in the days ahead. Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you and use good common sense. If you have any concerns about public gatherings at this time, please be released from any expectations you think we might have on you to attend. I’m believing God for a great time as we gather this Sunday at our regular service times. I think we all need the encouragement and hope that comes from being together – to worship, pray and study God’s Word. I really believe that, in times of crisis, the Church (the gathering of believers) is needed more than ever before. Quite the opposite! God is with us, and we get to choose what overwhelms us: peace over panic, faith over fear, wisdom over worry. We’re fully aware that the atmosphere is charged with anxious thoughts, fear and worry but these are not from God. What keeps me steady during stormy times like these? I draw strength and stability from the truths that I know about who God is, what His heart toward me is, how I’ve seen Him move in the past, and the promises and power I have access to as a believer and follower of Christ.ĭave referred to it in his video explaining our response to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation earlier this week:įor God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. During times of uncertainty, when fear presses in and the unknowns seem overwhelming, I pause and check my anchor.

Faith over fear