Faith in times of adversity – Part 2

Faith is one weapon we must use against the fear of COVID-19. Many ask, can faith in God work at this time when COVID-19 is devastating the world? The answer is a big Yes. Faith in God can make a difference, whether we survive this time of adversity or not. Fear kills, but faith keeps alive. The well-known Biblical adage, “the just shall live by faith” is very much relevant now. Faith can make a difference between matters of life and death, between our ability to survive or not. In times of adversity, as we face presently, faith distinguishes those who inherit God’s promises and those who do not. Faith in God gives us strength in the inner man. Like Proverb 18:14 states, “The will to live sustains you when you’re sick, but depression crushes courage and leaves you unable to cope” (TPT).

The most extreme conditions of COVID-19 are not above God’s power and control. Therefore, trusting God Who knows all things, and has all the power to control all things, strengthens us. Faith in God, however, does not preclude us from complying with the rules of social distancing and personal hygiene that are being recommended by medical experts. Times of adversity like COVID-19 don’t last, but those who have faith in God, outlive adversities.

Faith is the assurance that what God says in His word shall come to pass in any situation of adversity. For instance, Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2 NKJV). Again, in Ephesians 6:16, Paul commands us to use the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of Satan. This means that when Satan assails us with coronavirus, by faith we can reject it from harming us.

Exercising faith against the destructive power of COVID-19 may seem stupid to the carnal mind, but let us not forget that even from Bible times, faith in God has always worked for those who believe in Him. Think of those who don’t have access to medical facilities or those who face extreme situations between life and death. All they can do is cling unto God in faith. In this time of COVID-19, we are seeing the best of medical practices inadequate, and in some cases fail outrightly. So, why doubt God’s intervention? Why doubt the ability of faith in God to rescue man?

Speaking about the importance of faith, Jesus said, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:22-24 NKJV). The keyword is in verse 24, which states that whatever things you ask when you pray to God, we can receive them, provided we believe.

David’s attitude in time of adversity is one of persevering faith, “Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord” (Psalms 27:13-14 NLT). We cannot afford to do otherwise now that we face COVID-19. Contact: Pastoracukachi@gmail.com