Extend Your Generosity
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a special word to all who love this station.
I know you’ve been blessed listening to the great Christian programming here on the dial, especially during these difficult times, what with coronavirus. Yeah, we’re all following the guidelines from medical professionals, and you’ve heard the rules a hundred times by now, but I would add another guideline: “Stay encouraged in Christ by the programming on this station, because Christians need to live courageously.” So, how do we stay encouraged in Christ, what with so much isolation and all the safe-at-home rules? Well, first we take comfort – great comfort – that not one single microbe of this fast-spreading virus is beyond the sovereign control of our Father in heaven. And I think we’d all agree: God is doing something in our world right now that’s far beyond our comprehension. God’s on the move in a way that is shaking the nations, and a way that is also putting kingdoms in upheaval. And because He is sovereign, because He has dominion over everything, we can place our trust in Him. Because when it comes to COVID-19, God’s our Shield; He’s our Protector, our Defender, and best of all, He’s our Great Physician.
So, in light of this modern “plague,” as it were, how should we as Christians live? Well, I love what Martin Luther said centuries ago in the face of the deadly black plague. He said this; he said: “I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. [And] [i]f God should wish to take me, He will surely find me and I have done what He has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or for the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this as such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt the Lord.”
Wow, those words were spoken hundreds of years ago, and yet they could be a current directive, right?, from the CDC. And there’s nothing brash or foolhardy about showing Christ to our neighbors, even during these tenuous times. So, do not stop praying; do not stop helping. There are so many who are feeling frightened and they need the kindness of a gracious Christian, perhaps as you do a run to the grocery for an elderly neighbor or mow a lawn or make an encouraging phone call. And don’t stop your generosity. Even though the days ahead are unimaginably unpredictable, ask God how you can best support your church, or your favorite ministry, and don’t forget this radio station. The encouragement that you hear every day over this radio is especially needed right now, and I know my friends here at the station would appreciate your prayerful support. This is an opportunity for Christians to truly shine. So, let my friends here at the station hear from you. They are laboring hard to keep the Gospel going out during this very dark time. Pray for them. Pray for us at Joni and Friends. Pray for the medical workers and first responders. Pray for families who are impacted by COVID-19. And best of all, pray that God receives the glory in this unprecedented season.
Oh, and one more thing – I want to send you a copy of our Joni and Friends newsletter. So, just go to joniradio.org. God bless you today and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends!
