“We’re in this thing together”

There are a couple things that it seems we’ve been hearing a lot lately— “we’re in this together”, and “unseen enemy”.

These are not new concepts to God’s people. We have always known the importance of “binding together” in Christian fellowship and camaraderie. That’s one of the ways we endure through adversity. And the idea of an “invisible enemy” is one we quickly recognize. The name “Satan” means adversary- and the Bible makes it clear that we are not fighting against flesh and blood (people), but against “principalities and powers, rulers of the darkness of this age.” (Ephesians 6) Our ancient enemy is not a virus, but spiritual powers of darkness that are arrayed against us. And just because we cannot see them physically, does not diminish their reality or how lethal they are.

The events of recent days are unprecedented for us and for our fellowship. We are “feeling our way along” in our response, and the situation is quite fluid- meaning that things can change or adjust quickly. We are trying to take many factors into consideration- the well-being of all of our members, the directives coming down from the government leaders we are praying for, as well as our great commission mandate to be impacting the world for Jesus Christ.

One thing I’d like to share in this post— John Wesley, the great man of God from a previous generation, relates that he was genuinely converted to Christ based upon how he saw genuine Christians handling and processing the threats, danger, and adversity of the moment. It had an impact upon him. God help our lives to be “salt and light” in these days. Let’s continue to support each other. Let’s continue to fight the spiritual warfare. Let’s have courage and confidence in our God who is with us and will never leave us! Wesley later wrote the following:

Ye diff'rent sects, who all declare,

 Lo here is Christ, and Christ is there;

 Your stronger proofs divinely give,

And show me where the Christians live!