The Privileged Life: Pray for China, Healing
“‘For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord….” Jeremiah 30:17a
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 2
Covid-19. That’s the name of this year’s new coronavirus overwhelming China and now seeping into other corners of the world, including the United States. As of today, there are more than 70,000 confirmed cases and nearly 1,800 deaths—grim figures that will doubtless grow as more people are exposed to the virus.* And while medical researchers rush to develop a vaccine, it will come too late for many.
My heart aches for the people of China…for the passengers on the quarantined cruise ships…for the medical teams treating infected patients…and for family members who are burying loved ones who have succumbed to the disease. Therefore, I ask everyone reading this blog to join me in prayer to God that He will quickly halt the spread of this plague.
Start by praising Him as the Great Physician—He is fully capable of healing those who have been sickened. He holds us in the palms of His hands, and we must rest and trust in His good plans for us as His children. If you are currently in good health, thank Him for that incredible privilege. There is no currency that can buy this treasure—it is purely a gift from our God.
Then plead with Him to show His power and stop the spread of the coronavirus, both within China and to other countries beyond. Ask Him to strengthen His people in the underground church in China, to embolden them to minister to others during this crisis, and to encourage them share the good news about the hope of heaven through Jesus Christ. Pray that His church will grow faster than the virus and flourish despite the opposition of the government.
Finally, pray for perseverance for all of us in this latest threat facing our world. As we are encouraged in James 1, we are to “count it all joy” whenever we fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith will produce patience. God has promised to give us wisdom liberally, as long as we ask in complete trust, without doubting His power and sovereignty.
I hope you will find personal peace, reassurance of God’s love, and hope in this exercise of prayer for the people of China. May God answer our prayers swiftly, for His glory.
Great and mighty Physician, Healer of our diseases and wounds, have mercy upon China and our world as we battle against the natural forces of illness and the collective fears of those threatened by this latest outbreak of the coronavirus. Send Your healing and restoration to those who are infected, and please let this latest outbreak dissipate as quickly as it has spread. Be with the medical teams and researchers who are on the front lines—protect them as well. And let Your kingdom grow in China by leaps and bounds, bringing hope and spiritual growth to all those who come to know and serve You. In Jesus’ loving name, Amen.
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*Financial Times, February 17, 2020, https://www.ft.com/content/6b5ba925-1300-37d9-8f84-52fdb3f6e2f7
