Things spread. 

Today we hear this as bad news because in the forefront of our minds is a battle with a virus that is infecting thousands of people.  The deep concerns are that our numbers are not even accurate and the actual cases are far higher.  News of something spreading today is bad news.

But I deeply hope that other things will spread far greater and faster than this virus!

Love of the Saints.  “Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you” (1 Thessalonians 3:11-12).  I pray that the love that God has shown to His saints would be so contagious that it would burn like wildfire through the hearts of all believers, and its benefits spilling into the laps of people desperate for hope.

Joy in Trials.  “Though you have not seen him, you love him.  Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8). I pray that the confidence that we have in what Christ has done for us with allow us to rejoice in the face of fear and spur people to ask us about the hope that we have in Christ.

Peace in All Things. “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).  I pray that Christ will be so deeply established in our hearts that we will live at peace with our families and neighbors, even in times when the natural human response is to seek our own welfare.

Hope in Affliction.  “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).  I pray that the Holy Spirit will so stir in us that hope would pour out of us no matter what we hear on the news.  I pray that this would not be a false hope that we use to comfort ourselves and ignore suffering.  But it would be a hope that can truly grieve in suffering, but stand in confidence that God is working all things to good.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ.  “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).  I pray that news of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ will spread from the lips of believers and penetrate the hearts of those separated from the holy God of the universe.  I pray that they would hear this and the Holy Spirit would bring faith so that they can celebrate the forgiveness of sins and the life everlasting.

O Lord, hear my prayer!