Sometimes All You Can Do Is Pray

Many things have happened this year.  First, the Coronavirus affected almost every corner of the world.  We had to sequester in our homes, constantly wash our hands, use hand sanitizer, and wear masks.  Who could have predicted the beginning of the year would be like this.  Then came the protests and looting.  I thought to myself what next?  What next was the fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

This year has been eye-opening.  For the first time in my life I saw fear on so many faces.  When the Coronavirus first started fear was so palpable you could cut it with a knife.  I could feel it when I went to the store to buy food and when I was at work.  Yes, I had to go to work.  Wherever we went everyone had to be 6 feet apart.  If anyone coughed everyone would turn around to see what was going on.  A lot of people were afraid that if a person coughed it meant they could possibly contract the virus.  If you coughed, you must have the Coronavirus.  They forgot coughing is a natural function of our bodies. 

The media has played a huge part in elevating the fear in people.  We received so many conflicting reports and I still do not quite understand how it is contracted.  I never became afraid, but I had concern for my children and family’s wellbeing.  I believe I did not get afraid because I did not listen to what the media was saying about the virus.  I just prayed a lot more asking God to protect me and my family.  I would pray for the people I encountered who seemed to be afraid.  I prayed that God would alleviate their fears and give them peace and comfort.  I think what also helped me is my church started a prayer line.  The prayer line is available 7 days a week, in the morning and the evening.  Not only was I praying for myself and family, but I had prayer warriors praying for me too.  You can never get too much prayer.

Everything that has happened this year points to the need for our country to turn back to God.  We need God to heal our land.  We need to him to heal our souls.  We need him to heal our hearts.  In Jeremiah 30:17, it says, “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord.” He is the only who can restore us and heal our land.

It is time to pray.  We need to pray and seek God like we never have before.  He has the answer to heal our land.  His word says in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  It is time for us to turn back to God.  It is time to turn away from our sins, so God can heal our land.  It is time to pray, pray and pray some more.  The prayers of the righteous has great power and produces great results. (James 5:16 NLT)

LSW