The man resembling a bandit in this photo is my minister.  I whatsapped him the photo with the caption “Looks like a robbery in progress” and he responded:

“Lols, taking back enemy territory for Jesus”

I love that my minister has such a wonderful sense of humour and that His love of God is portrayed in very practical ways.  This is the time of COVID 19 and he and other Believers have been doing a major food drive. The result is that food parcels are being packed and taken to families, who are literally starving, on an ongoing basis. This photo captures the helpers taking the food parcels from the church to vehicles for delivery.

Satan, via COVID 19, has succeeded in closing church buildings down but in doing so he has opened doors for God’s love to be poured out, via His people, to each other and to a world in desperate need of that love on a scale that has never been seen before.  Added to that, Believers are spending far more time in God’s Word, encouraging others and gathering for ‘cyberspace’ services with their families on Sundays. One of Satan’s tactics to harm God’s people is breaking up the family unit.  Because of Covid, families have no choice anymore – they have to work on relationships as they spend day and night in each others company because of a worldwide lock down.

Covid 19 reminds me so much of the story of Joseph found in Genesis.

Joseph was the beloved son of his dad – we are the beloved children of God

Joseph’s brothers first planned to murder him but then sold him into slavery – Satan attempts to murder the faith of Believers and keep them in slavery to addictions…fear, worry, alcohol, drugs…the list is endless

Joseph was sold to Potiphar, one of King Pharaoh’s officials, and he soon rose in authority to become head of Potiphar’s estate – many Believers find favour in their work places, and God blesses their businesses and families in abundance

Potiphar’s wife took a fancy to Joseph and tried to seduce him. When Joseph refused her advances she falsely accused him of trying to seduce her and he was thrown into jail – many Believers lose material things and positions because they take a stand for God and won’t compromise or give in to temptation

Instead of blaming God, feeling sorry for himself or becoming bitter and angry Joseph interpreted the dreams of other prisoners.  Two years later, when Pharaoh had a dream that no-one could decipher, someone mentioned Joseph.  He correctly interpreted the dream and Pharaoh appointed him second-in-command of Egypt.

During this time of Covid 19 many Believers have lost their jobs, their businesses and some of them have lost their lives.  Instead of blaming God, feeling sorry for ourselves or becoming bitter and angry we need to start cultivating a deeper faith in our God. So that, we too, can say to the evil one what Joseph said to his brothers on being reunited with them over twenty years after being sold into slavery:

“Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  So then, don’t be afraid.” Genesis 50:19-21

Lord, we pray that during this time of Covid 19, we will draw closer to You despite our circumstances. We ask that you will grant us faith, courage and joy during this time when the world as we know it, is in such turmoil. Amen