“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

Prayerful Response

South Africa has joined the ranks of the coronavirus infected now. As of this writing, we have 24 cases. As you can imagine, I am concerned for Floyd. I continually entrust him into God’s hands. I have prayed all along for healing or heaven, so I will continue to pray that way. Please join me in praying for him. He’s doing fine this week.

A number of our family members have been impacted in various ways by the outbreak. It’s really a surreal, crazy world at the moment. Truly our only security is in our Rock, the Lord! We must take precautions and do all the things they are advising us to do. But our best “line of defense” is prayer! If ever there was a time to pray, this is it.

As I lift up my family, especially Floyd, my friends, the All Nations ministry, and my own needs, the Lord has put several guidelines on my heart:

– Don’t become fearful. Yes, I know that’s hard when the whole world seems to be turned upside down! We’re understandably nervous. But we can’t allow our hearts to become fearful. Fear paralyzes us. There are dozens of scripture verses about fear. When my heart is feeling fearful, I go to the Word and meditate on these verses of counsel for how to deal with fear.

–  Keep my eyes, my focus, on the Lord…not on all the unsettling and scary news. My heart, my trust has to stay firmly rooted in Him. I remind myself of how He has carried me through many difficult, hard, uncertain, troubling, frightening times. He hasn’t changed! He’ll be with me now as I keep my gaze on Him. The world around us may feel like it’s falling apart, but God is with us and He will carry us through. “What consumes your mind controls your life.” We must stay “consumed” with God’s faithfulness and goodness.

–  Pray! Pray continually, without ceasing. Lift up our hearts in prayer to Him as we go about our day. Pray for the virus to be killed off. Pray for protection for our vulnerable family members and friends. Pray for peace in people’s hearts. Pray for wisdom, strength, and grace in this uncertain situation. Pray for comfort for all the disappointments people are facing as plans are changing. Pray for our children who can become very frightened. Pray for opportunities to love people, to share the Lord, to comfort hearts.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10).

Louie Giglio says, “If we could see what happens when we pray, we would never cease to pray.” I’m attaching a very short video clip where he speaks to this. If we refuse to let fear enter into our hearts, if we keep our hearts focused on trust in our wonderful Lord, and if we pray, it will help and protect us in this unusual time. I’m sure there are other important things to do—this isn’t a comprehensive list. But this is what God has put on my heart.

Lord, we ask You to do what only You can do—the “impossible.” In Your Son’s name. Amen.

To listen to the clip, click here