COVID-19 Coronavirus
What was a joke on social media just a day or two ago has suddenly become something quite serious. Travel bans are in effect, quarantines are being mandated, public events are being canceled, schools and universities are extending spring break, sporting events are without fans and even the NBA has suspended games. We are doing everything we can to be socially responsible and to stop the spread of a virus that has proven deadly for many people around the world. In spite of human ability and ingenuity, we learn at times like these that we are still vulnerable. We are still limited. There are things that are beyond our control.
In the book of 2 Chronicles chapter 32, we learn about a terrifying situation that faced King Hezekiah. King Sennacherib and the Assyrian army invaded Judah laying siege to fortified towns. While laying siege to one of the towns, Sennacherib sends word to Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem pointing out that no nation has been able to resist their military force (v. 13-15). “Not even God can save you from us,” boasts Sennacherib. There is no escape and no hope for victory against this incredibly powerful and brutal adversary.
There are times in life when we face situations that we simply cannot handle on our own. What do we do when our back is up against the wall? What do we do when we are facing something so daunting, so far beyond our limited resources that we are stuck? 2 Chronicles 32 was one of those times. We can learn from King Hezekiah’s response.
“Now because of this King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prayed and cried out to heaven.” (2 Chronicles 32:20)
So simple, yet so profoundly powerful. Hezekiah prayed along with Isaiah the prophet.
Notice what they didn’t do. They didn’t surrender. They didn’t rely upon their own wisdom or ingenuity. They didn’t choose to engage in battle by fighting in their own strength. They recognized the gravity of the situation, so they prayed.
And what was the result?
“The Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side.” (2 Chronicles 32:22)
When we face things that are too difficult, too big, far beyond us, we turn to the One for whom nothing is too big or difficult. Nothing is beyond God. God is the one who saves and delivers!
Interestingly, with all the hype and panic surrounding the coronavirus, something I haven’t heard about is prayer. I’ve heard jokes. I’ve seen memes. I’ve heard strategies for stockpiling and for limiting the spread of the disease. But I haven’t heard people talk about turning to God.
But now is the time. This is a call to prayer.
I sound the alarm not out of panic but confidence in a God who is amazing and able to meet our needs. We pray to the One who works miracles and has the power to stop enemy armies and enemy viruses in their tracks. It is time for us to unite our hearts in prayer before the all-powerful God with expectation that we will see His hand at work in miraculous ways!
So as bottles of hand sanitizer flies off the shelves, we pray. As people fight over the last rolls of toilet paper, we pray. As others stockpile cans of soup and loaves of bread, we pray. While the world begins to panic, we choose the path of faith by embracing Philippians 4:6-7 which says,
“Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.”
The coronavirus is no match for the King of Kings, so let’s pray!
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
