COVID-19 Novel Encouragement Sample

From SARS to Corona

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

When Covid-19 first broke out before the Chinese New Year holiday, I was pretty calm and collected about the situation. After all, I was living in Beijing when SARS hit in 2003. Even though I was only a teenager then, I remember things being manageable in my ‘normal’ life even though there was lots of caution. I figured that I had already experienced something similar before so I could carry on as normal this time around as long as I was vigilant.

Little did I know how much life would come to a standstill. I was already in a season of waiting and endurance, and wrapping my head around the fact I had to continue to wait and endure didn’t sit well. I’m naturally a planner, so having to accept that my travel aspirations, career plans, and personal desires had to be put on hold was not easy. Living in a world that enjoys instant gratification, I found it difficult to enjoy being in a place of limbo. During this time, however, I was reminded of His promises.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalms 37:4-5

He knows your desires and dreams and he knows exactly what you need in the season of waiting. Focus on Him, cling tight to His Word and goodness, spend time in worship, and just continue to be in and enjoy His presence.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

He’s working through all the details and uncertainty. He’s preparing the doors of opportunity. He’s preparing people’s hearts - including your own. You will see the reward and fruit from your season of waiting. He may not be early to reveal his plans for you, but He is never late.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

When setbacks come, let’s turn them into a comeback. Recognize the pure joy that lives in you. Praise Him and give glory no matter your situation. Put your hope in Jesus Christ knowing that He has the best in store for you!

Let’s trust that God’s plans truly are best. Let’s remember there is a weight to our every want. And let’s choose to live out the easy-to-quote-but-sometimes-hard-to-live reminder of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Lyrics from Take Courage – Bethel Music
Take courage my heart
Stay steadfast my soul
He's in the waiting
He's in the waiting
Hold onto your hope
As your triumph unfolds
He's never failing
He's never failing

Prayer: Dear Lord, I am so grateful for Your everlasting love and vision for my life. Help me embrace the fact that Your plans are so much greater than mine and to find true rest in You. Humble my heart in the moments when I try to maintain control so I can fully serve You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

By Serene Wong, BICF City Church, Beijing