Why Christians Have Peace Beyond Their Circumstances and How to Prepare for Life Past the Pandemic

As we slowly transition to what we know as “normal,” more and more people are faced with the fear of the unknown.

Fear of uncertainty is part of human nature, but it has become more prevalent as COVID-19 has reared its ugly head across the globe.

Schools and churches are largely closed and some states won’t allow parents to take their kids to the park. As things begin to re-open, many people are afraid it will not last. What will all of this look like in six months? A year? It’s hard to know and that’s scary.

Even in the midst of the unknown, we have hope as Christians. We have hope in our Savior and in His promise that He has conquered the world. He tells us a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice. How then can we think He doesn’t know or doesn’t care about our fears?

We need not worry about the future because God is already there. He knows what tomorrow holds and what the world will look like ten years from now.

We can be a bold voice for Christ in the midst of crisis. People are looking for something solid to hold onto during this time of instability, and we can point them to Christ.

While our world is constantly changing, God and His principles always stay the same.

As Christians, we should reflect God’s light and love even in uncertainty. People should see how we’re dealing with the pandemic and notice something different about us since we have hope.

When Paul wrote to the Christian church in Philippi, he said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Christ has equipped us to be faithful and find joy in any situation—whether all is right with the world or if it feels like the world has been flipped on its head.

While our current situation with COVID-19 cannot compare to what Christians in Rome went through during the persecution of Christians under various evil emperors such as Nero, there is much to learn from their examples.

Roman emperors sought to eradicate Christianity through various methods of torture or by using Christians as bait in the arenas during gladiatorial contests. Despite the persecution, Christianity only grew.

How on earth could Christianity not only grow but flourish despite such intense persecution? Perhaps because even in death, the Christians showed a peace that defied their circumstances.

People are searching for peace and it is something people are drawn to. Jesus gives us peace that defies earthly logic. Let it show through how we live and react to these circumstances—we know Who wins.

As humans, it is impossible for us to find true joy apart from Jesus. Finding joy and peace within ourselves is impossible and will always fall below our expectations.

Here are some ways Christians can speak out and find the boldness to “do all things”:

1. Remember God’s Promises. He promises never to leave us or forsake us and tells us that He has conquered the world. He also promises He that His plans are not to harm but to bring hope and a future.

2. Pray Without Ceasing. There is so much power in prayer. God promises to always hear our prayers, and nothing is too big or too small for Him. The Bible says, “Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Talk to Him and pray bold prayers!

3. Speak Truth and Love into the Lives of Others. It can be easy to snap at others or get carried away with people whose opinions differ from your own, but it’s important to remember that in every conversation with an unsaved person, we are planting seeds. 1 Corinthians 16:14 says, “Do everything in love.” The Bible also says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

4. Remain Positive and Encouraging. Encourage others and remember to keep it all in perspective. God uses uncomfortable circumstances to grow us and shape us into the people He wants us to be.

5. Trust God. This may be a given, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. He holds us in the palm of His hand and created us during this time for a specific purpose. Nothing is done on accident. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

Use this time before everything opens to focus on growing your relationship with God. Take time to find what He is teaching us during the quiet and absence of the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Take time to prepare your heart and mind for when things are finally back to normal. Determine to be a light-bearing vessel for Christ in both the sunny days and the stormy.

Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”