There is no doubt that we are living in the last days.  Stories of disease, earthquakes, and warring nations are plastered in every news headline.  If that weren’t bad enough, we are now experiencing a worldwide pandemic from a virus called covid-19.  It’s not just another news story, it is now in our local hospitals, and we all know at least one person diagnosed with it.

From the elderly person donned in a face mask and plastic gloves to the young mother cringing when someone coughs, there is fear all around us.  Fear over declining stock markets and failing businesses.  Consumers are fearful of empty grocery shelves, and fear has even caused some neighborhoods to self-impose quarantine on the neighbors.

As for Christians, Satan wants to distract us from being a light in these very dark and tumultuous times.  He will do this through panic, fear, or depression; frustration with being “stuck” in a house with family; addiction to the news and conspiracy theories; laziness; and newly formed bad habits.

So how can we be Christians during a worldwide pandemic?  How can we be different from the rest of the world gone crazy?

Read your Bible: Reading our Bibles right now is more important than it has ever been!  We need the comfort it provides.  We need to be reminded that although our lives have changed dramatically over the last few weeks, our God hasn’t changed.  We need to remember God’s promises! As tempting as it may be to sleep in, now is not the time to slack in your Bible reading!  If you don’t already do this daily, make it a habit starting now! Search in your Bible for God’s promises and memorize them! Here are a few words to get you started on your search: peace, hope, joy, refuge, and strength.

“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” – John 6:68

Pray:  Are you afraid?  It’s OK to be afraid, but it’s not OK to let it control you.  We still need to do what God has called us to do, despite our fears.  We have to take care of our families, and be generous to those around us because that is what God has called us to do.  So if fear or anxiety has got you hiding in your closet, get on your knees!  There is no time like the present to extend your prayer time!  Lay your fears and anxieties at the feet of Jesus, who has offered to carry your burdens for you!

“Is your fear bigger than your God?” – Pastor Jonathan Marshall

Praise God and Be Thankful:  Maybe you’ve been laid off.  Maybe you ran out of toilet paper yesterday.  Maybe someone you love has been diagnosed with covid-19.  What do you possibly have to praise God for?  Praise God because He is God!  Even on our worst day, God is good.  He longs to hear us praise Him when we are in our darkest hour.  Sing to Him. Tell Him how wonderful He is. Talk to your kids about His goodness. Make a journal that’s all about God’s goodness!

“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”  – Psalms 136:1

Limit Bad News: Christians, turn off the news! Just do it. Delete those real-time covid-19 apps.  Yes, you know what app I’m talking about! Unfollow those conspiracy theory chat rooms you joined. Stop scrolling through those news headlines. I know, I know!  What else is there to do right now? The more bad news we put into our minds, the more anxious and uptight we become.  Instead, listen to music that glorifies God, or read an encouraging book.  It’s important we fill our minds with God’s goodness MORE than we fill it with bad news!

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8

Start Some Good Habits:  If you’re in quarantine like the rest of the world, you definitely have the time to make some new habits! They say it takes 30 days to start a new habit.  Here are some suggestions: get up earlier, read your Bible and pray every morning, eat healthier, read a nonfiction book or a biography, memorize scripture, get some exercise.  You could also clean out your closet, organize the pantry, or learn how to make your husband’s favorite meal.  Don’t waste this time that has been thrust on us, be productive!

“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” – Proverbs 11:1

Do something for God: Ask God if there is something you can do for someone else.  Maybe you just need to focus on blessing your family and getting through the day keeping your littles alive.  Or maybe you are able to focus outside of your 4 walls.  If you have extra toilet paper, you could leave a roll on your neighbors doorstep with a letter saying you’re praying for them and a gospel tract. Give them your phone number and ask them to text you something they need prayer about. Maybe someone needs help getting groceries. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. Sometimes we are led to do things that are uncomfortable for us, but that bless others!

“Never resist a generous impulse.” – Pastor Richard Sowell

Light shines brightest in darkness.  Christian, now is our time to reflect the Light of Jesus Christ to a dying and lost world!  Stop hiding in fear, and start living like a Christian in this worldwide pandemic!

“Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” – Matthew 5:15

 “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”                        – Romans 8:38-39