It can be easy to say "be on mission" or "love your neighbor" at times like this, scripture tells us to be ready to give a "defense for our faith" (I Peter 3:15), but where might we even consider staring? 

Here are some practical ways you can be equipped to respond when most helpful, it's a "round-up of resources" so to speak.  Let's begin with Prayer...

Prayer:

1. Ask God, in His mercy, to stop this pandemic and save lives -- not only in our communities but around the world, particularly in places that are unequipped medically to deal with the virus. (Isaiah 59:1-2)

2. Pray for President Donald Trump and other government leaders -- international, federal, state, and local -- to have the wisdom to direct us in the best courses of action for prevention and care. (Romans 13:1–4)

3. Scripture says: Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. Pray that the Lord will give us wisdom in this moment of fear as the foundations of what we know are shaken, that others would realize how fragile life is and how real eternity is, and they would see their need to turn to God. (Psalm 90:12)

4. Ask God to protect our missionaries and their families around the globe, using this global crisis to advance His Good News to the whole world. (Mark 16:15)

Worship:

Anna Kester, one of our worship team members, has put together a playlist of songs to help remind us all of the faithfulness of God, the hope we have because of Christ, peace that surpasses understanding and the promises of God for His people.

There's even an extended playlist here...

Here are some articles that also help not only stir your thoughts and affections but help you understand how to process what is happening during this time:

The Gospel Coalition:

8 Things the Coronavirus Should Teach Us

How to Talk to Children About the Coronavirus

Neighbor Love in the Era of COVID-19

What the Early Church Can Teach Us About the Coronavirus

Should Christians Be Anxious About the Coronavirus?

Desiring God:

Interview with John Piper - How Do We Make Sense of the Coronavirus?

CCEF:

Anxiety, Waiting and the Coronavirus

On The Radio?!

Danny Jones, our founding Elder, had an opportunity recently to sit down with one of our own members, Mike Gilland, for an on-air interview about what is happening in the world today. In Orlando, this broadcast will air at 2:05 PM, and a replay at 9:05 PM on AM 1270, WIWA - you can also listen online at www.theshepherdradio.com, or download their app from the App Store or Google Play - search for "The Shepherd Orlando".

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1 Peter 3:15 goes on to tell believers to share any defense of their faith (or, a "reason for the hope in you" as some translations put it) in a way that displays gentleness and respect.

Our prayer is that these resources help you see that you are equipped for every good work through the Word of God and that you can share, in a winsome way, about your faith.  Even in troubling times.