Today’s Devotion
Topic: COVID-19: Praying With The Nations, Praying With Ghana
Text: 2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Amen
Faced with a global pandemic that is shaking nations and terrifying citizens whose questions about what might be going on are met with uncertain responses, the government of Ghana, like some nations have done and with others to follow suit, has declared a general fast for the nation today.
The call for prayer is to beseech God to HEAL OUR LAND of COVID-19, against its spread and devastating effect on individuals and the world at large. Also, to plead healing for all who have been infected, comfort for those who have lost loved ones to this pandemic, and restoration for our rebuilding as a people and nation.
There is no question about God’s ability to intervene in such a time as this. So rather than answering why we’re calling on God for help, let us build solidarity by answering a few questions that may be on our mind regarding the declaration of this fast and its significance.
i. Who should partake in the exercise?:
Every believer! You remember how Esther and Mordecai gathered all the Jews in Susa in fasting and prayers when their race faced the threat of extinction? (Esther 4: 15- 16). Well, ours is even more severe than that.
Theirs was the plot of one man (Haman) whose hatred for Mordecai made him try convincing the king to wipe out his race. Ours is a pandemic that seeks to destroy an entire generation. Our efforts to contain and subdue it doesn’t seem to match up its force and severity, leaving all at risk.
ii. Why Should We Partake In The Fast?:
It is the Christian thing to do. In 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul writes, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” Peter also teaches that we “show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17).
iii. But What If I Do Not Want To Participate In The Fast, Rather To Just Take Precautionary Measures So As To Not Get Infected At All? That is great – in fact a duty for all, even if we are fasting. However:
a) the word of God has proved several times that when we join faith and heart in fervent prayers, God intervenes and miracles are inevitable. You remember what happened in Acts 12: 5 when believers came together to pray fervently for Peter’s release from prison? Also, you remember what happened in Acts 2 after the early believers joined in constant prayers in the upper room? (Acts 1:12- 14)
b. Regarding those in authority is a great service to our God as well. Romans 13:1 says – “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” When our leaders encourage us all to partake in this noble exercise, let us do well to come on board to honor our God. Perhaps by the sincerity of our hearts and with our obedience to authority, the Lord will show mercy.
c. Finally, the prosperity of the Land is a blessing to us all. Jeremiah 29:7 says, “seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Come on board then, will you? Join us seek God’s help for our land. He is able to deliver us from the fowler’s snare and deadly pestilence. Gather the few with you together let’s begin to pray: LORD, HEAL OUR LAND!
THE LORD IS FAITHFUL, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17). We are overcomers therefore, in Jesus mighty name. Amen
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