A young Pakistani Christian working in a foreign country asked me, “Kindly I need your direction as in concern of the situation now. As a Christian, what should I do?” Here’s my response:

Dear [name],

All I can tell you is what I’m doing and why.

First, I’m not panicking or giving in to fear. Instead, I’m reminding myself to rejoice because God is in control. 2 Timothy 1:7 God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 

Second, I’m praying. Philippians 4:6-7 [6]  Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. [7]  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And for those who contract the virus, I am believing God’s healing promises. Read Matthew 8:5-17, then John 14:12.

Third, I’m following government orders and guidelines. Romans 13:1-7 tells us that we should give honor and obedience to the government unless they are trying to make us do or not do something the Bible specifically tells us. In particular, where I am we have been instructed not to gather in groups or even leave our homes except for certain essential purposes, so we are having church online or by telephone. 

Fourth, I’m not placing blame. I do not believe the virus was sent by God, as some kind of punishment or for any other reason. I believe it is just another example of the fact that we live in a fallen world.  Romans 8:20-22 says, [20]  Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, [21]  the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. [22]  For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And it’s not helpful to blame people such as government or medical officials if we think they could have done things better. Instead, pray for them and the decisions they are still making.

Finally, I’m trying to be sensitive to opportunities to share the hope and faith of Jesus. People are thinking more about death and eternity at this time, and that can make them more receptive to the good news of the gospel. 

I pray this is helpful to you and those around you. We will get through this, and I pray we will be better Christians when we do.

Blessings in doing Christianity together,
David

“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” (3 John 1:2)  

All Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, Copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

 Read other posts on the Doing Christianity blog (click HERE). Read more about Pastor David Wentz HERE and HERE. Listen to his sermon archives on the Doing Christianity podcast (click HERE).