Along with much of the world, I am stuck inside my home as the government attempts to stop the spread of this awful virus. As we watched the world shut down through the television and internet, huge cities and famous places, normally jammed with traffic and people, are eerily void of human activity. As I am safe in my home, some people have nowhere to stay; others are mistreated or abused in their confinement. Those with the virus, wait to see if their symptoms increase and force them to leave their homes, and some of those will never return.
I keep myself occupied on the computer, watching the news and posting my stories. I am retired and financially stable, but look forward to money our government will hand out. My wife cooked a lot of food and it’s hard to resist overeating. We venture out to restock our supplies, but it’s tough to find some items as stores struggle to keep up with demand. As I struggle to maintain my weight, many people around the world wonder if they will starve. If they can’t work, they don’t have money for food and also may be evicted from their home. They need to get back to work or hunger will take their lives before the virus.
I was annoyed when I heard Doctors are only treating urgent cases and everything else will be handled over the phone or have to wait. I hope things get back to normal before my next appointment. While I was annoyed, those infected with the virus struggle for their next breath. Doctors and nurses work around the clock to save lives and minimize patient suffering. The world is praising their heroic efforts, but that doesn’t ease their exhaustion and never-ending life and death struggle. Death wins too often and recovery is agonizingly slow for survivors. Medical personnel can’t be home caring for their loved ones, because they are caring for yours.
Instead of complaining, I should be caring for others, but how can I when I have to stay home? I can pray for those affected by this pandemic. The only prayers that don’t get answered are the ones not prayed or prayed in doubt. Great faith teaching is on the internet and “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17 KJV). You can also give to those who are in need. But how can I give when I don’t know what is going to happen next? Overcome your fear by faith then “Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38 KJV).
How can we do anything with the Churches closed? Most Churches can’t gather for services, but they continue helping those in need and need your support, but in reality you are the Church. Through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT “Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mat 18:18 KJV). Leading men to CHRIST is the first priority, but even that was made possible by sacrificial giving, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).
Wayne Lance (2020)