LOOK UP TO GOD THROUGH CHRIST WITH HOPE, TRUST AND LOVE IN TIMES OF CRISIS
God is our refuge and strength, and ever present help in trouble times and situations. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
Psalms 46:1-2
People of faith the Lord God Almighty has brought us to the end of the second month of the year 2021. The last two months had not been without challenges but certainly the grace of God has sustained us this far. May God forgive our failures, comfort the bereaved, bring back the abducted school children and end this shameful and disgraceful events that are tarnishing the name and image of our nation.
The emerging second wave of COVID-19 and many unabating reports threatening our security, educational system and creating anxieties and worries of the future, our wellbeing and sustainability of our democracy, and worst of all the church seems helpless, and the frightening rate of abductions in this month alone, call for absolute remembrance of God’s promise of being with us and healing our land if we humble ourselves, pray and seek His face.
The Bible is full of examples and stories about people of faith. Thus, facing crisis, uncertainty of the future, lack of food, temptation of idolatry and fighting against enemies are not peculiar to our time and generation. The children of Israel were all familiar with crises on their journey to possess the Promised Land, crossed the Red Sea, collected manna and in the New Testament witnessed Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death and the promised of his soon second and final return to reward both doers of evil and good.
What would be our story as people of faith?
As we have the opportunity and privilege to begin another journey of faith in the month of March, what would be our story and legacy as a people of faith, light and truth in this crooked and perverse society?
In this time of self isolation and new normal ways of serving God and one another, let us endure and go through the crisis as a means of purifying ourselves to be proven people of faith, not people of the buildings.
Those who cannot meet and worship in our church buildings, can use technology and Internet, phone calls, text messages and zoom in order to overcome isolation and loneliness with faith.
This reminds me that we can’t leave in isolation we need to help each other to look up to God and be a good support for one another. And that is what the church did very well for centuries! Do not be shy to call your friend or colleague to share your burdens and anxieties. Don’t hesitate to call someone just to ask how they are doing and pray with them.
From 2020, God gave us many opportunities and tools to build the church world wide
which we did not have in the past. We must use them well so that we can continue to grow as people of faith and encourage others to follow Jesus Christ.
Another opportunity in this time of crises is to have virtual churches for worship, Bible study, prayer, fellowship and preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. Many pastors can be invited to preach online in the church in another city or country. I can visit many churches online in my area and experience connectional aspect of their church. And even though online presence cannot replace physical presence, it is a wonderful opportunity that we as people of faith can use in such a time like this.
As we face daily crisis let us be people of hope, faith, and trust with Christian character. No matter the challenges let us persevere and stay true to our Christian ideals. It is these ideals that set us apart from everyone else, in them we found our hope in Jesus Christ. That is what Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5 NIV).
May this month of March add blessing to your Hope, Faith and Trust in God through Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Rev Dr. Soja Bewarang
COCIN BoT Chairman
Freelance Reporters 