Joy is the Key!

We know this is a time of great uncertainty and confusion in our country. Everyone is obviously concerned about the future. We want to share a message of peace from the Lord to encourage each of you during this worldwide crisis due to the Coronavirus pandemic I’ve often said that the Lord is an opportunist. As Joseph said in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” God can even use Covid – 19 to save this nation. The Body of Christ has been praying for revival for a long time, and we have been expecting it to look like previous revivals. But we believe the Lord is bringing revival in a way that is not expected. The Lord did not cause this virus, but now that it’s here, He can use it to bring peace, healing, and revival to our land. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. It’s time for the Body of Christ to rise up as mature sons and daughters of the Lord and walk fearlessly. Religion will not get us through these difficult days, but faith in the Lord will. The world is looking to us for direction and not religion. Jesus is the only one who can bring peace when everything around us is in chaos. People will be hungry for our prayers and words of encouragement. Are you ready to be the gospel to them? 1 Peter 3:13, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” I believe this is going to be a great year for those who truly believe. We will come through this fire and not even smell like smoke. We have before us the opportunity to truly shine as mature sons and daughters of God and help those in need. This morning while Judy and I were praying together, the Lord reminded me that the key to victory in the middle of a crisis is joy. If we really believe the Lord is in charge and will lead us safely through to the other side, we should be full of joy. James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” I’d like to finish with these words from Franklin D Roosevelt’s first inaugural speech of 1933. This occurred during the height of what we now call the great depression. “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves, which is essential to victory.” The Lord is with us!