The author of Hebrews wrote, “
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching”. There is much to explore in this biblical principal, but I am not writing this morning as a Bible teacher but as a churchgoer whose heart is troubled by the events of the day.
The Corona virus has momentarily changed the way we live. The way we
assemble. How we come together as neighbors, friends and family, has been changed because of the unknown. This morning, I learned the far-reaching tentacles of this virus is a respecter of none. The senior pastor of my church, Trinity Baptist Church, went to social media to announce changes in worship schedules because of the threat the virus carries. Some services and ministries were cancelled for the week. Pastor encouraged us to live stream services on Sunday morning instead of assembling in God’s house to worship.
Bible study classes are cancelled.
My heart is broken.
I understand precautions are required when disorder is tainted by fear. But every Sunday for so many years, I listened for words that encourage our faith in God, spoken from the pulpit of Trinity Baptist Church. Words about trusting that He is sovereign and loving and everywhere! I believe God's words written throughout scripture that command us to trust Him, to love Him, and to worship Him. I believe His words when he said
do not forsake the assembling of ourselves…for when we do, we move our trust from Him to trust in man.
Today we are experiencing is a testing of our faith.
I believe God’s got this! The moment I stop believing is the moment I run away from Him. I believe He hears my prayers. I prayed, as I am certain many of you have, God would be among us as we battle this virus. My words of prayer are wasted if I don’t believe the One hearing them is faithful in His promises.
I am not suggesting you or I be careless in our behavior. The science has shown that most are at very low risk. Those who are at higher levels of risk should take every precaution to avoid exposure. But
the choice should be ours.
Life will go on. So should our worship of God. The doors to our churches should be open. Our voices should be lifted to God, our hands raised to the heavens. Our faith can, if we allow it to, withstand every test.
Trust Him.
See you Sunday.
