Dear VWC family and friends:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).
The current spread of COVID-19 has taken the attention and concerns of many. With the present atmosphere, I want to offer a few words of inspiration and help us focus with the proper perspective.
#1 TRUST in the Lord and His PROVISION at all time but especially in times like these! In times of trouble we the church have an opportunity to walk out our faith. Remember the name of Jesus is WHO saved us and is WHO will keep us and His name is above all other names (Philippians 2:9-11) and owns heaven and earth (Deuteronomy 10:14). Not to mention BY HIM are all things held together (Colossians 1:17). God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1), so run to Him.
#2 Use WISDOM when taking in information because some of it is promoting fear on one end of the spectrum to complacency on the other. I encourage you to be prayer minded and be led by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26 & 1 Corinthians 2:10-16) and not the spirit of fear or pride! And refer to health advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arkansas Department of Health.
• The CDC website provides lots of information about the virus and appropriate steps for individuals, churches, schools, and businesses to take. You can subscribe (I have) to the CDC’s COVID-19 newsletter to get regular updates. Go to their newsletter subscription page and choose the newsletter entitled, “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).”
• The Arkansas Department of Health offers similar resources, including up-to-date statistics on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Arkansas. As of today (3/24), 2 people have died as a result of the COVID-19 virus.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and warm water. There’s no alternative for this! While alcohol-based hand sanitizes can kill bacteria, it is unclear whether they’re adequate against COVID-19 or other viruses. For cleaning surfaces, such as doorknobs, telephones, counter-tops, etc., the CDC recommends using a product containing bleach. If you’ve had a cough or fever within the last 24 hours, please stay at home. If you are returning from known areas of higher prevalence of COVID-19, we encourage you not to attend church for two weeks. The list of affected areas and the period of self-quarantine will likely change in the weeks ahead. Wisdom and care for others, especially for those who are susceptible to this and other viral illnesses, may lead to temporary changes regarding our worship service. We’ll consider and communicate any necessary changes after prayer and consultation with physicians, scientists, and in compliance with any governmental directives.
#3 REINFORCE RELATIONSHIPS in these times of social distancing by whatever means necessary and available! As this dark cloud is trying to envelope us know that Jesus said about His children; they are to light the world by Him (Matthew 5:14-16)! The Lord cares for His own and His church needs to reach out and minister to the community. As a church family let’s be led in His ways in order to support each other. Let’s be on guard of self-isolation becoming all about self. Speaking of isolation; check on those who might need an encouraging word and potentially help with groceries or medications.
#4 PRAY and PRAISE: We have the audience of our King when we pray and in His presence is fullness of joy (Psalms 16:11). The Joy of the Lord produces a merry heart and a merry heart is a medicine. The devil desires to burden the people of God fear and sadness. But the Word tell us: Have no cares; but in everything with PRAYER AND PRAISE put your requests before God. (Philippians 4:6).
#5 REFOCUS and REJOICE comes because we have prayed and praised the Lord our God! All through the Bible we see very difficult trials and times but those who overcame and fulfilled the destiny was those who could see the Lord by faith. By faith Abraham was call out and he went; and he became a blessing. Always remember you have been called and commanded to go (it doesn’t always have to be in person). Jesus went to the cross joyfully because He was focused on the end result (Hebrews 12:2)! This storm will pass, and God will be glorified, and many will be saved!
In His name,
Pastor Greg