Submitted by Pastor Mike Christian, Tarkio Assembly of God Church

Folks, at this very moment, we have before us, an opportunity as God’s people to step up and be the ‘Church’ the Lord has called us to be! This should be the hour in which His ‘Church’ shines! We sing “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness! On Christ the solid rock I stand! All other ground is sinking sand.”

In the midst of this pandemic, I choose to be cautious, but I do not choose to panic. I still believe my Lord and Savior reigns regardless of even the worst case scenario! Either my God is God or He isn’t! And I choose to believe He is still God! I choose to believe that He is totally aware of what’s going on in this world, whether it be floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and even sickness and disease! The Lord God, who created the heavens and the earth (and also you and I), still knows the beginning from the end and everything in between my friend! I promise you, God has not been caught off guard by COVID-19!

Do you remember hearing it said, ‘You can run but you can’t hide’? Well, I believe that instead of running to the stores in a panic, we should be running to the altars and humbling ourselves in prayer (see II Chronicles 7:14-15). In no way am I saying we shouldn’t adhere to common sense and instruction, but I do think that we also should realize that if we call ourselves Christians (followers of Christ), then we should act like it! Our faith and trust should remain resolute and strong in God and His Holy Word during moments like these!

Churches may close their doors for a time, but remember, the ‘Church’ is not a building. The ‘Church’ is you and me, Child of God! If you’ve given your heart and life to Jesus, and if you’re serving Him, then you are part of the amazing and wonderful family of God! Your redemption has been paid for by the Blood of Jesus! And with this redemption comes privileges. You are covered by the Blood of Jesus! By His stripes you are healed! His delivering power is yours!

The Word of God says, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17), “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!” (Philippians 4:19). But it also says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all these things  will be given to you!” (Matthew 6:33)

Although this is a difficult time for all of us, this is also a time in which we, the ‘Church,’ should shine! We should bring forth the glorious truth of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus saves! We should lift one another up in prayer and minister to those who are in need during this challenging time. You and I, brother and sisters in the Lord, are called to be the church for such a time as this! So, even though it may be a difficult time in our world, we must choose this day whom we will serve! We must believe in the Lord God Almighty who said He would never leave or forsake us. So, make the choice to run to the altar of the Lord and pray for those in peril. Make the choice to “Stand up for Jesus ye soldiers of the cross!” Don’t panic! I promise you, God is still on the throne of heaven and He knows your name and your voice. So call out to Him and make the choice to shine for Jesus!

May God bless and keep all of us in the hollow of His mighty hand during these trying days!