Natural disasters and disease epidemic (pandemic) can wreak havoc and take a toll locally, nationally, and even globally. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast of the United States killing over 1,800 people, with more than 1,200 in New Orleans alone. Katrina cost about 161 billion USD. I was at the Astrodome in Houston where thousands of Katrina victims were housed and helped; and I saw firsthand the human toll of Katrina. 12 years after Katrina I visited New Orleans, and the marks, damage, and scars of this terrible tropical cyclone are still visible!
In 2014 the Ebola virus epidemic struck the West African region. After 2 years, Ebola had disrupted the socioeconomic life in the region, and taken the lives of more than 11,000 people mainly in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone! Now we are dealing with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and it is really taking its toll here in the United States and around the world. Already, there are more than 400,000 cases globally, with more than 17,000 people dead.And that number will probably change before I finish this sentence! Unlike the Ebola outbreak that was mostly confined to the West African region, the COVID-19 pandemic is global. And the virus seems unsuspecting and easy to transmit. As governments around the world battle this pandemic, orders are being issued limiting crowd size and mandating people to stay home. Schools are teaching online. Colleges are reverting to distance learning. Economic activities are drastically reduced, businesses are laying off worker, and churches are forced to close. On the surface it looks like gloom and doom. But please look again, especially if you are the Church. This is not a time for fear, and it’s certainly not a time to furlough your faith!
A Furlough is a temporary leave of absence due to special circumstances. Special circumstances? We have that. Furlough? We don’t need that! “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV). God is with us, even in this time!
Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, so he leads us. And Christ is the Cornerstone of the Church, so he anchors us. God is ahead and behind us. During this difficult time, God is showing us the way while watching our backs. With Christ leading and protecting us, the Church is best positioned to expand its influence, reach more people, and change lives.
Joseph said to his brothers, “You intended this for evil, but God meant it for good, for the saving of lives.” (Genesis 50:20, NIV). This COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our way of life, but the message of Christ and the good works of the Church bring hope, healing, and new life. So let’s not put our faith on furlough. Instead, let’s find new ways to forge ahead. We’ll be stronger, healthier, and better because we did.
Hebrews 11:1 declares, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” As the Church we are confident that we can still help families and remain relevant in our communities; and we’re assured of God’s providence in this time.
No matter the challenges, don’t cry about having “no gas”. Instead, put your foot (of faith) on the gas! More than ever before, the nation and the world need the Church. We must not furlough our faith!
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