We find ourselves living in an interesting time; nevertheless, it’s been a beautiful time as well. The situation with COVID-19 and social distancing can be hard to understand and nearly impossible to figure out. If we allow them to, questions such as the following could race through our minds every minute of the day:
- How did this virus start?
- Was it man made?
- Did someone release this virus into the world?
- How long will this last?
- Are people using this virus to strip us of our rights?
- How long until the economy will return back to where it was?
- Will life ever be the same again?
- When will places open up again?
- Are these the end times?
On top of this, the news is blasting humanity with scary statistics, flashing bright lights on the screen, and hopeless messages designed to instill fear. I believe the goal of many news channels is to instill fear into humanity because when fear is present power is absent. A world where We The People of The United States of America live in fear is a world where We The People lack power.
For me personally, I haven’t watched the news in over a year and I have no intention of watching again any time soon. To this mind-blowing truth, many people say that I need to stay informed. I respond by saying it’s really easy to stay informed when my friends and relatives, every person in the grocery store, and everyone walking outside are talking about this virus. Plus, how much of the news is actually the truth?
Instead of being bombarded with the hopeless messages coming from the media and many world “leaders,” I choose to tap into the message of HOPE found only in The Word of God through Jesus Christ. Tapping into this message allows me to live in the presence of power found in the Holy Spirit instead of living in the presence of fear found in the world.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
—2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Take a moment right now to reflect on how the news makes you feel. Does the news stir up positivity and hope in your life, or does it instill worry, fear, and sadness? If your answer is “worry, fear, and sadness,” consider taking some time away from social media and all news outlets. You’ll remain plenty informed.
During these times and for the remainder of your time here on earth, I encourage you to choose HOPE over hopelessness, POWER over fear, THE WORD over the world, and CHRIST over the corona.
Hoarding products
On the topic of fear, are We The People really hoarding toilet paper thinking it’s an essential product to survival? Are you kidding me? A good part of the world lives every day of their lives without toilet paper and many of them are happier than you and I who have an abundance of toilet paper in our homes. We need to change our perspective; clearly our priorities are a little wiggity wack. Not only are people hoarding toilet paper, but we are also hoarding disinfecting wipes and sprays. Do we not know that the chemicals found in those wipes and sprays have a greater chance of killing us than does the COVID-19? These chemicals may not kill us quickly but long-term they can lead to cancer, other illnesses, and death.
Health vs. sickness
On the topic of illness, the true virus (sickness) isn’t COVID-19 at all. The true sickness is the current state of living for most of humanity. The truth is healthy individuals with a strong immune system have the ability to fight off all sickness, illness, disease, viruses, etc. The problem is that most of humanity was, and still is, living sick. With obesity rates through the roof, mental illness at an all time high, diabetes killing more people now than ever before, alcoholism, drug abuse, and the opioid epidemic, sheer laziness taking over the planet, and instant gratification leading to poor decision making, humanity has been living sick long before this novel coronavirus emerged onto the scene. COVID-19 only magnifies people’s sicknesses, just as wealth only magnifies someone’s pre-existing characteristics.
The outbreak of COVID-19 made it very clear why people are living sick with compromised immune systems. After waiting in line for the first time in my life to go into a grocery store, I thought all the shelves would be empty. Oh, was I surprised. Come to find out, all the junk food was wiped out, all the ready-to-eat frozen meals were gone, and all the cereals, milk, dairy products, eggs, and meat were gone. All the easy to make foods, all the foods that aren’t even truly food, all the foods with added sugars, colorings, sweeteners, and chemicals, all the foods that have been killing humanity for many years . . . were gone, completely wiped off the shelves; I couldn’t get my hands on a cookie if I wanted one! However, all the healthy foods, all the foods that promote health, nourishment, energy, and longevity were still in the store. Not only were the fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and spices available, but these foods were available in abundance. It was almost as if people refused to buy the healthy foods because of fear that the food will “perish” before they could eat it all, even though these living and healthy foods are exactly what people need to promote longevity and health.
This was an eye opening realization for me, and brought to light the real sickness at hand. The sickness is not COVID-19; the true sickness is what people are putting into their mouths.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were brought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies. —1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
It’s time we start honoring God with our bodies, and a big part of this is nourishing our bodies with healthy, plant-based foods grown from God’s great earth. Combine this with proper hydration, time outside, and at least 20-minutes of exercise each day and we will be on our way to living fully energized and fully alive, free from all sickness and disease.
Time and space
Another powerful concept during this time of coronavirus and social distancing is the idea of extra time and extra space. Can you believe it . . . gyms, movie theaters, churches, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and coffee shops—even the queen (Starbucks)—have closed down! But, thankfully, for us, the King is still in business. The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords is still open, ready for business, and is ready for you and I to drop to our knees and seek Him like we never have before.
The Lord our God is using this time to bring us closer to Him. He’s forcing us to slow down because we refused to slow down on our own. He’s showing us that all the things you and I are chasing in the world truly don’t matter. All these things we’ve worked so hard for, all the worldly things we enjoy, all the things outside of ourselves—can be stripped from us in a moments time. God is commanding us to stop putting our hope, security, and comfort in the things of the world. Instead, we must fix our eyes on Him—the name above any other name, the maker of heaven and earth.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. —Matthew 6:19-22 (NIV)
Personally, I’ve enjoyed the extra time and extra space. I’ve loved the traffic-free roads in California; I never dreamed this would be possible! In addition, I’ve enjoyed everything being shut down and closed because it has created more time and space for the things that really matter: Having a strong relationship with my wife, connecting to my family, focusing more on my health, and working on the divine mission placed on my heart manifested through Let Your Light Shine Ministry.
Considering this extra time and space, I’m begging you to capitalize on these unique circumstances and view this time as truly being a blessing. Capitalize on this time to prioritize your health. With all the shelves emptied of junk food and toxic food, choose to truly nourish your body and mind with the healthy foods waiting on the shelves in abundance: fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and spices.
I ask you to make the most of this time by using it to strengthen relationships with your spouse, children, family, or friends. Put the phone down, delete the social media apps, turn off the TV, and connect with your loved ones.
And lastly, I ask you to maximize this extra time and space by connecting with God on a deeper level. In the Bible we see Jesus retreat to quiet places to enjoy time with His Father in heaven. In Luke we see Jesus withdraw to lonely places to pray. In Mark we know Jesus got up early to go to a solitary place and pray. And in Matthew we see Jesus go into the wilderness to connect with God and prepare for His ministry.
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
—Luke 5:16 (NIV)Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
—Mark 1:35 (NIV)Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil.
—Matthew 4:1 (NIV)
During this time, we all need to do what Jesus did. We need to retreat to our wilderness, whatever that may be for you. Whether it’s time alone each sunrise, going to your office and shutting the door, taking a walk, being in nature, sitting in your car, or hanging out in your van like I do, we must take our wilderness time to connect with God and prepare our bodies, minds, and souls. Once this virus passes, God is going to use His people like never before to shine light into present darkness and bring glory to His name.
Even during these dark and difficult times, never forget that you are the light of the world. Luckily for us, God made it so that light shines best in darkness. So with this . . . let your light shine, my friend!
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp & put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
And for those of you wondering: Is the virus from God? The answer is, NO. However, God will use this time to shape His people and bring glory to His name.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. —John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief in this case is Satan and his weapon of choice is COVID-19. But thankfully, infectious agents stand no chance in the presence of God. Our hope is found in the Lord.
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. —Luke 10:19 (NIV)
- According to Jesus: Through the presence of the Holy Spirit living in all who believe in Jesus, WE HAVE AUTHORITY!
- According to Jesus: All sicknesses, illnesses, viruses, and death “snakes and scorpions” are the work of Satan.
- According to Jesus: As followers of Jesus we have the authority to plunder the enemy and all his evil and wicked schemes! This includes the corona virus!
With this, as followers of Jesus we must take a stand against the corona virus because this virus stands no chance in the presence of God and as the body of Christ we must refuse to be a host for this virus.
Repeat the following command out loud over yourself and your family every day:
“All sickness, virus, illness, disease, cancerous cells, and harmful toxins and chemicals drop dead in my presence and are rendered harmless and ineffective in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus Christ!”
“I am perfectly healthy. All the cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems in my body are promoting abundant energy, health, and life in Jesus name. Amen!”
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Guest blogger Chandler Ignaszewski is a fitness enthusiast and world traveler who is passionate about sharing his knowledge with others. He uses his fitness blog to share free information on exercise, nutrition, vitamins, supplements, and all other things related to living a healthy life. He holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, is a certified personal trainer, a nationally qualified NPC competitor, and has 8 years experience in the fitness industry.