Spiritual Quarantine

Our world is in a storm of epic proportions, and it is affecting our way of life. Jesus often spoke of perilous times, and the Bible warned believers to be on guard, prepared, and ready to take action.

So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 NLT

The Bible makes it very clear that when storms come, we are to seek shelter. Several examples in the Bible show the children of God taking shelter in times of trouble.

When God sent the seventh plague of hail, everyone was ordered to go inside if they wanted to survive.

“Quick! Order your livestock and servants to come in from the fields to find shelter. Any person or animal left outside will die when the hail falls.’” Exodus 9:19, NLT

Even the prophet Isaiah warned the people of God to take shelter in their homes until God’s wrath had passed:

Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. Isaiah 26:20 NIV

Let us not forget one of the most memorable events in the Bible when God’s people had to take shelter from a plague – The Passover, which is still celebrated today:

Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. When the LORD goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down. Exodus 12:22-23 NIV

Now, as we face the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are being told to take shelter once again. We are experiencing a modern-day Passover event. Whether you believe God sent the Corona plague, or whether you believe it is some human-made conspiracy, one thing is for sure, God is in control.

As humans, it is normal to feel anxiety and yes, even fear, especially when facing an invisible enemy that easily transfers from person to person. However, God told us to trust Him when we feel this way: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3.  

As believers, we must be careful of another invisible enemy, Satan, who is trying to use this event to cause quarreling and confusion within the church. God is not confined to the church building. He lives in the hearts of His children and can be with us even in the shelter of our homes.

Let us change our perception of what is happening around us. Instead of being frustrated with a government ordained quarantine, let us make it a spiritual quarantine. I believe we can come out of this event more powerful, more prayerful, and more impactful for the Kingdom of God.

Prayer

But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6

Let us step up our prayer life. Pray for our country and one another. Communication with God is essential during this time. He cares about what we are going through, He wants to comfort us, and He wants to hear from us.

Praise

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Psalms 59:16 NLT

When David was in trouble, he praised God by singing unto Him. David remembered God’s love, mercy, and how He protected him during troubling times. Singing and praising God during this difficult time can only improve our situation and our state of mind.

Worship

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. John 4:23 KJV

The time has come for worship to go forth in spirit and truth. You have everything in you to achieve real worship because God made you in His image and likeness. Put all of your God-given faculties towards knowing Him in spirit and truth. God is seeking to build a relationship with you through your worship. He will keep you in perfect peace if you keep your mind on him.

Study the Bible

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

What is going on today does not make sense to most people. However, it should not come as a surprise to those who study the Bible and seek God for answers. The Bible has all of the answers we seek; it equips us and is our weapon. Studying the Bible provides answers to our questions, gives peace and comfort during perilous times, and explains how to achieve salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Fast

So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer. Ezra 8:23 NLT

Fasting has spiritual power and is a demonstration towards God that you are serious about your request. In the Scripture above, Ezra fasted and prayed that God would protect them from their enemies, and God did just that. Fasting is a powerful tool when seeking God.

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And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15 NLT

It is vital for believers to be in community together and encouraging one another. During this spiritual quarantine, it is not physically possible to go to a church building, but thank God most churches have the capability to go live online. In this technology age, we can still hear the preached Word of God right in our homes, on televisions, computers, and cell phones. Let us be sure to hear the shepherds from God and the message that God has given them for us. For those who may not be technologically inclined, call your pastor or other ministers on the phone to get a Word of encouragement.

Not dealing with this quarantine spiritually may have severe implications for us. We are human! Without a spiritual regimen to get us through, we are at risk of getting sick, depressed, anxious, afraid, and may experience many other emotions and symptoms as a result of what is happening all around us. Now is the time to strengthen your personal relationship with Christ. Repent! Forgive! The world may not have been prepared for this pandemic, but Jesus has been preparing His people for these perilous times. There will be Glory after this!

For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17