When disaster strikes, it’s natural for Christians to ask how they can help. I’ve sprinkled my thoughts here about how you can help others during this time of crisis, as well as my favorite Bible verses about the Coronavirus. Scroll down to the bottom of this article for the free Bible journaling printable.

Bible Verses About the Coronavirus and How to Help

Pray

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (KJV) says, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Prayer is the first response Christians have because it allows us to go to our Father with our requests while seeking His will and not ours. Give thanks for what you have and pray for others. Here are a few practical examples:

1. • If you’re young, give thanks for your blessings and pray for the elderly.
   • If you’re healthy, give thanks for your health and pray for those who have heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, autoimmune disease, and other illnesses. Also, pray for those who need surgery, but are seeing their dates moved out or canceled.
   • If you have shelter, give thanks for the roof over your head and pray for those who don’t have a home.
   • If you have a job, give thanks for work and pray for those who are still seeking employment.
   • If you have food, give thanks for God’s provision and pray for those who are lacking (keep reading if the Holy Spirit leads you to do more!)
   • If you have money, give thanks for financial provisions and pray for those who are without.
   • If you’re in a community, give thanks for the service professionals all around you. Pray for health care professionals, first-responders, retail workers, and leaders.
   • If you have Jesus, give thanks for the very best gift you will ever receive and pray for those who are still lost.

Help Others

Romans 12:10-13 (WEB) says: In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor preferring one another; not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.

It’s our natural response to want to put boots on the ground and get busy helping. Here are a few practical ways to help combat the Coronavirus:

1. • Share: If you have extras of the things that the stores are running out of, be willing to share with your community. FYI…almost all of the toilet paper we get comes from the US, so we should start to see stores stock back up soon.
   • Take care of yourself: You can’t help others if you’re not well. Exercise, eat healthy (there are still plenty of meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables at the stores), rest, and practice good hygiene. This goes without saying, but some people don’t know that things like a phone can harbor germs. Wipe your phone down! I also wash my hands the second I walk in the door from being outside (it’s a habit), after I use the bathroom, after I handle something that’s not clean, and right before I eat.
   • Reduce the spread of Coronavirus: Asymptomatic transmission of Coronavirus is unknown at this point, and there’s no data from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) that says it’s possible. I think it is, but I’m not a doctor, and I don’t play one on the Internet, but I recommend erring on the side of caution. The CDC recommends social distancing, having supplies on hand, avoiding non-essential travel, and good hygiene. Until more data is provided, it’s best not to risk unknowingly putting other people in harm’s way. In other words, don’t accidentally pass it on to someone else.
   • Connect with others: Call your friends, gather online, and find a group where you can encourage and lift each other up. You can always join the Bible Journaling for Beginners Facebook group! Whatever you do, don’t isolate yourself completely. We all need community. God gave us technology, so if you have it, use it!
   • Donate to the local food banks: With the shelves empty, the foodbanks are probably not getting extra canned good donations. However, they do know how to stretch a dollar. My food bank can provide a meal for only .14. If you have provisions, please consider giving to the needy (Matthew 25:35-45).
   • Get the Word out: More people are looking for answers. It’s easy to post one of your Bible journaling entries online in hopes of encouraging others. You can also donate Bibles to those who are without. Our project with Bibles for the World provides a Bible to someone in China for as little as $2.50. Share the good news (Matthew 28:18-20).
   • Spend time with family: As I was driving yesterday, I saw more families walking around the block together. I’ve never seen so many families walking together at one time. I think they were enjoying the weather and it was nice to see them together. More family time is on my list!
   • Run others errands: If you are at low risk for COVID, ask others if you can run their errands for them.

Remember That God Is In Control

Romans 8:28 (AMP) says, And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.

God is in control, you can rest in the comfort of His all-knowing vision and plan.

Know That God Allows Both Good and Bad Things to Happen

Ecclesiastes 7:14(MSG) On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days. So that we won’t take anything for granted.

One of the things I’ve always said is that if everything was great here on earth, why would we need Heaven? While I don’t like bad things to happen, they certainly remind me to keep my focus on God.

God Never Changes

Hebrews 18:3 (KJV) says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

God hasn’t changed. Our Lord is sovereign and has everything under control. Turn to God first. He never changes and is always in control.

God Allows Other’s Authority

Romans 13:1 (KJV) says Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Be aware of what authorities are asking you to do. Test those things against God’s Word, and respond accordingly.

God Is Our Healer

Psalm 103:2-4 (KJV) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

I’m confident that God will provide a vaccine or cure for this in His perfect timing. People said for ages that HIV was not curable. Well, in case you missed it, here’s the news.

Don’t worry

Matthew 6:25 (WEB) Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”

There’s no reason to panic or worry.

Be Prepared

Is it wrong to be prepared? You get to decide. There are many instances in the Bible on the value of being prepared. Joseph prepared for famine in Egypt (Genesis 41), Noah prepared the ark (Genesis 6-7), and other verses like Proverbs 6:6-9, Matthew 25:1-13, and Hebrews 11:7 talk about it. On the other hand, verses like Luke 12:16-20 and Matthew 6:19 help make the other side of the argument.

There’s much controversy over this topic in the Christian community. Here’s what I have to say… always check your heart for why you’re doing what you’re doing and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in doing what’s right. There’s a vast difference between being prepared so that you can help your family and your community vs. hoarding it all for yourself.

Prepare for Jesus’ Return

Speaking of preparing, don’t forget to prepare your heart for Jesus’ return. These things must come to pass (Matthew 24:4-13), but one day our Lord will come, and no one knows when that day will happen (Matthew 24:36).

Always be prepared for that glorious day.

Live Life

You’re not promised tomorrow. John 10:10 (WEB) says, the thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

The devil his having a hay day with all of the chaos. Don’t let him win. Renew your mind. Be thankful for what God has put in your hands today, continue to build an intimate relationship with Him, follow His will, and see each new day as a blessing. I mean…when in my life has the entire world got on the same page about something? This is the first time that I’m aware of, and that’s truly a blessing.

I woke up this morning and noticed that the sun was still shining, the birds were still chirping, and the flowers still bloomed. I put on my shoes, filled my lungs with cool morning air, and did my normal two-mile prayer walk where I get the chance to experience the love and grace of God with every single step. Whatever it is that you do to be in His presence, whether it be singing worship songs, praying, Bible journaling, or Faith Art journaling, I pray that you see his amazing grace, love, and beauty amid the chaos that surrounds you.

What other Bible verses about the Coronavirus do you think are appropriate?

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