To View the Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fLCSl2CpizQ
SHOW NOTES
Hi friends! Today we are broadcasting a podcast episode outside of our normal programming to discuss a heavy topic that is on the front of everyone’s minds right now: the Coronavirus. We felt the need to discuss this topic not because everyone else is talking about it but because we have received many questions pertaining to how we should respond as Christians to this pandemic. Tune in on iTunes or watch the video on YouTube to follow along.
Tim starts by anchoring us into Isaiah 41:10 which says, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Fear is a reality of life, but we are constantly told in scripture not to fear. This does not mean to never feel afraid, but we have to be intentional with our fear. Fear can either make us run from or run to God. Isaiah 41:10 emphasizes that God will do three things for us: strengthen us, help us, and uphold us with His righteous right hand. Tim explains that the word “help” in the Hebrew language literally meant to surround on all sides. Imagine God’s protection surrounding us around, below, and above. Why fear when we are surrounded by His protection?
We have seen many different reactions and responses to this pandemic, and we want to address some of them. First, Tim discusses people who feel like they should not have to live under the restrictions that the government recommends. Some Christians are highlighting their liberties as Americans and as Christians, and using them as leverage to not listen do the authority of the government. Tim points out that while we do have certain liberties as Christians and Americans, our liberty could lead to someone else’s infection. Tim says, “Flattening the curve is not about protecting yourself from the virus. It's about society working together to minimize the potential damage this virus could inflict.”
Tim and Kimberly both stress the importance of following the CDC’s recommendations for prevention such as washing your hands and keeping a safe distance from others. They add to the recommendations by saying to use this time as an opportunity to serve others. Kimberly says, “Every time we open our hands to wash them, we can pray for God's will and protection. As we dry our hands, we can think of how we can use our hands to serve the community around us.”
Tim closes by saying that as we are isolating ourselves, we can either resent it or see it as an opportunity to make the best of it. He gives the example of his mother who spent the last six months of her life in her bed as she lost her vision. She spent that time to find reasons to be thankful, even as she was isolated and restricted to her bed.
Psalm 23:1-4 says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Tim and Kimberly close by encouraging the listeners to use their time in isolation to memorize scripture. Kimberly recommends the verse John 14:27 which says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Join us Monday as we continue our conversation of how we as Christians should respond to the Coronavirus pandemic. Thanks for tuning in, we love you guys and are thankful for your support!
QUOTES
“Flattening the curve is not about protecting yourself from the virus. It's about society working together to minimize the potential damage the virus could inflict.” -Tim
“This is a perfect time to not only wash your hands but also to wash the feet of other people.” -Tim
“Every time we open our hands to wash them, we can pray for God's will and protection. As we dry our hands, we can think of how we can use our hands to serve the community around us.” -Kimberly
REFERENCED SCRIPTURE
41:10 “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 23:1-4 says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
