​Coronavirus is the elephant in the room. Am I the only one feeling ultra self-conscious when I scratch my nose in public and don't immediately hand-sanitize, or confused about whether to shake hands or give a polite nod when I'm introduced to someone (afraid either way I'll offend the person in question!)? Schools are closed through the end of the month, and it’s been a long time since the stores have had a trace of toilet paper, rice, or sanitizing wipes. It's been a really crazy couple of weeks, and things just seem to keep escalating. 

That's why I'm writing this. Like so much of what Alana and I do here at Praying Christian Women, I figured if I'm having questions and struggles maybe you are too. Maybe you're not just confused about social etiquette, but about how to respond in general to this uncharted territory. So I wanted to share with you a few things that I've felt God impressing on me in the last week or so in regards to the coronavirus situation in hopes that you'll find encouragement, hope and a renewed passion to pray like never before…and to let the light of Christ shine through you in these dark times.

Here are 3 things you can do today to respond in a biblical way to what is now being called a "global pandemic":

1. Get your mind right! 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.​ - Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Right now, you may be reeling with the constant influx of information, obsessively checking your news feed or favorite news source for the latest updates. That’s why it’s more important than ever to self-examine (with God's help), and to be sure that we are looking at this entire situation with our God-glasses on. This might look a little different for everyone, but here are some tips to get you started:

• Remember who God is. This might mean seeking out and reciting scripture or biblical affirmations to remind you that God is good (Psalm 34:8). He is powerful (2 Chronicles 20:6). He is sovereign over even the most difficult situations (Genesis 50:20). He has conquered sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). God is bigger than this fallen world, and no matter what it throws at us, he is at work in all things — ALL things — to bring about good for those who love him (Romans 8:28-29).

• Be wise. Matthew 10:16 says to be “shrewd as serpents…innocent as doves”. Be wise in what you believe, and think carefully about your actions. Test everything against scripture and against common sense; don’t just do what everyone else is doing - even other Christians. At the same time, don’t be cynical and discount concerns out of pride or self-sufficiency.

  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. ​

  Jesus himself tells us there is going to be trouble in this world. Sickness, death, sin and injustice are just a few. So beware of anyone who claims that they have some kind of formula or prayer or anointing oil that will totally protect you or your loved ones from the coronavirus (particularly if they request money for access to it!).

  This is unbiblical and absolutely false - but sadly it's happening. 

  God is powerful. He is bigger than sickness (Matthew 8) and the venom of vipers  (Acts 28) and even death (John 11). But on his terms, not ours. ​

  This in no way means we shouldn't pray, or that your prayers are powerless - or that God is powerless! It does mean that we need to let go of self, and seek God fervently for guidance and wisdom how to pray (James 4:3). We need to ask for the things we want (James 4:2), just as a child asks her father. But in the same way, we need to ask with open hands, knowing that God's wisdom and ways are higher than our own, which means that sometimes the answer is no.

• Cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving. Give thanks to God for all he has done for you (if you haven't already, you can get "Gratitude from A to Z," our free video series to help you with this one!)

• Read the bible at least as much as you read the news.

• Turn your fears and chronic worry into prayers. When you find yourself in unhealthy thought loops, or allowing fears and chronic worry to paralyze you, write down the specific things that make you worry. Then turn those fears into prayers, or even look up scriptures to pray over those situations and claim as truth!

• Take a break from social media if it’s bringing you down.

2. Pray as God leads you

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

Do not underestimate the power of prayer! Jesus modeled prayer for us (Matthew 6:9-13). Paul exhorts Timothy to pray for leaders and authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Prayer is essential. The belief that our prayers don’t make a difference is a lie straight from the Pit! Now, more than ever, we need to pray. Here are some tips and suggestions as you navigate prayer regarding the coronavirus. (Remember: you don’t have to do all of these! Rely on God to guide you to the prayer burdens he has for you; otherwise you could get overwhelmed.)

• Pray for people in the medical field: for safety and protection, wisdom to treat the sick and hurting, and for the gospel to go out through believing doctors, nurses and other health professionals.

• Pray for vulnerable people: the elderly and immunocompromised. Ask God to give them strength, comfort and peace. Pray for physical provisions, and for them to be recognized and seen by those who can help in spiritual, emotional and practical ways. Pray also for their protection from the virus and for healing for those who have been infected.

• Pray for those who are suffering extreme anxiety over this health crisis. Ask God to place people in their lives to help them through prayer and counseling, or medical intervention if necessary. Pray for those who don’t know Jesus to hear and respond to the gospel.

• Ask God to bring specific people to mind who need your prayers the most. These could be people in your sphere of influence, or local or even global leaders. You don’t have to pray for everyone or everything - but your God-given prayer burdens are there for a reason. You might be the only person praying for a particular person at a given time. Don’t ignore God’s promptings!

• Pray through the headlines. Which headlines stand out or make your heart jump a little? Take a moment to pray thoroughly through those news stories that you find yourself paying extra attention to.

3. Be the light

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” - Matthew 5:14-15 (NIV)

We are the hands and feet of Jesus. Just as Jesus is a beacon that points to God the Father, you might be the only beacon your neighbor has to point them to Jesus. We are imperfect for sure, but we are lights nonetheless!

Be the light.

• Ask God to bring to mind people who need practical help. Take groceries to an elderly neighbor who is afraid of going out, or offer to talk and pray with a friend suffering from anxiety about what she’s been reading online about the virus.

• Commit to only writing uplifting comments and posts on social media. This might mean biting your tongue - a lot. There are lots of opinions about the coronavirus, how it’s being handled and how to behave as a result of it. Being the light might mean that even though you believe you’re right about something, you choose to keep the peace rather than proving a point.

• Be a leader. People will follow. Don’t simply react to what everyone else is doing or saying. Go back to Romans 12:1-2 from the first step, and don’t conform. Be a critical thinker who makes decisions based on godly wisdom, not the wisdom of people alone. Be an example of faith in God and peace that can’t be explained (Philippians 4:7).

  This doesn’t mean putting up a front or denying your struggles; it means taking those struggles to God and letting people see where your strength and hope come from (Psalm 121)!

• Love your neighbor. When we keep this - the greatest command next to loving God (Mark 12:31)- as the filter through which all of our thoughts, words and actions flow, I think as a whole we as Christians can illuminate this dark time in a way that could never have happened if life had just kept plugging on as usual.

  Even little lights shine brightly in the darkness. That means we are a force to be reckoned with!

I hope this was helpful to you. Even as I wrote this, I felt God convicting me in some areas of my own life where I need to check myself…and recheck…and check again tomorrow! But the good news is, I’m not alone.

We’re in this together.

And together we can change the world…one prayer at a time.

💕🙏 Jaime