This pandemic attack on our nation and our world is not just a physical attack. There is a deep spiritual root to this attack that comes straight from the enemy of our souls who plots every moment to steal, kill, and destroy.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
Every single one of us has now experienced life through the eyes of the leper. Let’s look at Matthew 8.
When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
Matthew 8: 1-4.
Social distancing was the norm for lepers. Leprosy is an infectious disease that can cause severe and disfiguring sores on the skin as well as damage to the nerves. During the times when the original manuscripts of the Bible were written, there were many negative stigmas regarding leprosy. Many believed that leprosy was incurable and highly contagious. So a diagnosis of leprosy meant a life of seclusion. By no means are we facing that today, but with all this talk of social distancing, I really felt a prompting of the Holy Spirit to pray against this brutal spiritual attack that has been hurled upon humankind.
As all of us continue to grasp with the coronavirus version of new normal, we need to understand that there is more at stake than just our physical well being. We were not called to live a life of social distancing. God said in Genesis, “It is not good for man to be along.” While it may be necessary at this moment, we, as Christians, need to understand the spiritual side of this attack because the enemy thrives when we are in isolation. That’s when he is at his best.
Right now, there is a perfect incubator for fear, anxiety, and depression and while our doctors who specialize in infectious diseases are perfectly capable of handling the medical side of this, most are not equipped to handle the mental health aspect and the deeply spiritual component that is unfolding.
What began in Wuhan, China, several months ago has now become the world’s problem. Jesus told us in John 16:33 that we would experience hardship and suffering, and COVID-19, the coronavirus, has shaken the world in a way that none of us have ever experienced in our lifetime. But as Christians, we have access to a peace that surpasses all understanding.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
I believe in the power of prayer and now is the time to launch our assault weapons of prayer straight at the enemy and his plan. Let’s pray for healing for the sick and let’s pray for protection over those who are well, especially those healthcare workers who are in the line of fire right now. We also need to lift up in prayer those who are battling anxiety and fear. People have lost their jobs and are fearing the loss of their homes and automobiles. We need to pray for our leaders including President Trump. There can be no room for partisan politics right now. Americans want our leaders to be unified in our war against COVID-19. Yes, it’s a war.
Lastly, we need to let faith rise up. I believe that our God is the God of miracles. With som many closures happening across the country, we can be confident that the GREAT PHYSICIAN has not closed shop. The name Coronavirus has gripped many, but that name bows to the name of Jesus. We fight, not for victory, but from victory because of the finished work of Jesus.
This song was recently released by Steven Furtick, Kari Job, and Cody Carnes. The lyrics come straight from the scriptures.
Numbers 6:24-26.
The Lord bless you And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His Face toward you
And give you peace
Amen May
His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family
And your children
And their children
And their children
May His presence go before you
And behind you
And beside you
All around you
And within you
He is with you
He is with you
In the morning
In the evening
In your coming
And your going
In your weeping
And rejoicing
He is for you
He is for you
He is for you
Written by Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes
May we all continue to pray, seek the Lord, and fight from victory against the attack of the enemy. I long for the day when I can worship together with my brothers and sisters.
Bill
The Blessing
