PastorSteve

Many of you who have known me for a long time may not know that, for the past 2 years, I have had the opportunity to work “downstairs” (distribution) in a community hospital.  As you can imagine, the last few weeks have been pretty crazy. In one sense it’s been a little slower as all non-essential surgeries and procedures have been postponed or cancelled in light of the anticipated Corona surge. Some of the hallways are eerily silent, while others are buzzing with more activity than ever as some units have been shut down completely and others have been re-assigned. A Covid-19 Command Center has been set up, our limited supply of PPE is being severely rationed, and there is a sense of uncertainty and trepidation that seems to be ramping up exponentially day by day. We have already begun treating Covid-19 patients.

I want to give a massive shout out to all those on the front lines (doctors, nurses, techs, transporters, registrars) who are dealing personally, one on one, with the patients. I salute and respect every one of you immensely. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I also want to give a huge ‘THANK YOU’ you to all my colleagues in the support services, especially EHS workers (who have to, among other things, prepare and sanitize every room), but also Dietary Staff, Plant Operations, and my own department, Stat Stores (central distribution). Without all of you, there would be no patient care; there would be no hospital!

I’m pretty sure that all of whom I have mentioned in this post – and others – are committed to ‘see this thing through’ to the bitter end. Even the Community in which we are located has been fantastic: rallying around, seeking ways to support us in whatever way they can by donating supplies, making masks and face shields, encouraging staff with treats and thank you notes and promises of prayer… A shared crisis always seems to bring out the best in people and THAT has been beautiful to see.

But (and here it comes) I want to encourage everyone to put their hope and trust, not in the front line heroes, support staff or caring community, but in the Almighty God who is above all things! All of us are subject to failure, God is not! We can make serious errors in judgement, God cannot! We may grow tired and lose strength, not so the Lord Almighty! 3,000 years ago, a young shepherd/musician/warrior who would later become King David, cried out in desperation: “I lift up my eyes toward the mountains— from where will my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). He knew! His confidence was not misplaced! God miraculously preserved his life. A few hundred years later, King Jehoshaphat also got it right. When a formidable foe was about to attack his kingdom he cried out to the Lord, “We are powerless against this vast army that comes against us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (2 Chronicles 20:12). The people of Judah turned to prayer, and they were delivered from the hands of the enemy.

And so we come to this time in history –  a time like no other! It is no exaggeration, nor is it histrionic to state that a worldwide pandemic is threatening the lives of every person on this planet – and we are powerless against it. We can follow all the prescribed measures to mitigate the disease, we can boldly and bravely rush to the front lines of the battle or support those who do, we can come together as communities to support, encourage and help one another, but ultimately our help comes from the Lord; and the key …. is with His people! The prescription could not be more clear. God Himself says this:

“If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain,
or if I command the locust to devour the land,
or if I send an epidemic among My people,

and My people who are called by My name
a) humble themselves and
b) pray and
c) seek My face and
d) turn from their wicked ways,

THEN I will hear from heaven,
will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

(2 Chronicles 7:13&14)

So people of God arise, move to the front lines where the real battle is the fiercest, and fall on your knees before our merciful God! If we truly humble ourselves, and sincerely pray, and actively seek His face, and decisively turn from ALL our wicked ways, this pandemic will be miraculously lifted, and this could be our finest hour!

If there are some who have read this far who have not yet joined the ranks of the redeemed, I implore you to repent, accept the forgiveness that is offered to you through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, turn to God, and join us in the battle! This could be YOUR finest hour!

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the salvation of the LORD!”

Exodus 14:13