Coronavirus: How to stay strong in the faith

There is a time in every Christian life when all seems to be falling apart; coronavirus or COVID-19 is one of those dark times the Scriptures talk about. Of course, we are tempted to think God has abandoned the world, abandoned His children to suffer, but I am glad to let you know that He is with us ALWAYS; through the good times and bad times. So, if you ever doubt Him, this article is for you.
Matthew 8:20 “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
God’s words never perish. Even when the heavens and the earth pass away, His words never change. He is the same today, yesterday, and forever. Hebrews 13:8, Mathew 24:35.
Why did they close down churches, does it mean coronavirus is greater than God’s kingdom?
The word of God said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church, and the gate of hell shall not prevail against.”
Now, if the gate of hell cannot prevail against the church, why are churches closed due to a disease?
Here is where many Christians get it wrong; nobody can prevail against the church because WE are the CHURCH, what is being closed is a mere building, as believers, we are the sanctuary of God! He lives in us! Not the building;
1 Corinthians 3:16 “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
We are searching for God in the wrong places; He dwells in us and wants us to have that connection with Him.
Some of us are distracted by the beauty of the buildings, the eloquence of the priest, bishop, reverend, pastor, or any head of our churches that we fail to see and know the Creator.
I urge believers all over the world, to seek God and not a church, for we are the church and not the building. So irrespective of the denomination, your race, your country, your title, God is interested in you and wants to fellowship with you. Seize this opportunity to seek His face, ask for His help, and open your heart to Him; he will come in and sup with you and give your life meaning-
Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
What to do in a time like this?
This coronavirus isn’t the time to live in fear; our heavenly Father is our God even in the hard times like this. One of the best things believers can do during this period is to remind ourselves of the promises of our Father. To equip ourselves with God’s word. One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 91:
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

In times like this, reading the above verses to yourself and loved ones will strengthen your faith and strength. Listening to bad news all the time creates fear, and fear kills faster than the virus.
The Bible admonishes us to guide our heart with all diligence for out of it is the issues of life. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes that we should think of good thoughts.
Philippians 4:8 “8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Finally, extend hands to those who are not financially buoyant to buy foods and other necessities they need to pass the time.