What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?… Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?… Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” -(Rom 8:31-39)
In this portion of scripture, Paul describes his own personal experience and that of his fellow labourers in Christ, of the resistance, persecution and suffering they endured. They were constantly being beaten, ridiculed and imprisoned. In addition, to the already severe circumstances they faced, they also travelled far by foot, traversed dry desert roads, faced thieves, suffered hunger and thirst, and survived terrifying storms while at sea, all because of their passion and commitment towards proclaiming the eternal gospel of the risen Christ to as many people as possible.
Although our situation today is a lot different than that of Paul and his colleagues 2000 years ago, it still seems as though our world is crumbling all around us. The current global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought our entire lives to a complete stand still. Parents are concerned about their own well-being and their children, children are concerned about their education and exams, workers are worried about job security, churches are closed, people are confined to their homes, businessmen and women suffer from serious losses from having to close their businesses and many are becoming increasingly anxious, not knowing how they will be able to afford to buy food, let alone pay their rent. If we are going to focus on our circumstances, there is definitely enough reason to panic and loose hope.
The current situation is probably causing an unrelenting sense of fear, anxiety and despair to rise up in those who have relied on their own strength and built their lives upon the temporary foundation of this world, like the economy, politics, and an outward display of religious acts. Those of us, who have built our lives on the firm foundation of Christ, are reassured that what Paul wrote in the above passage of scripture is true – What can separate us from the love of God? Suffering, poverty, financial pressure? No in all these things we are more than overcomers through him who gives us strength. When we have exhausted all worldly options, only one answer remains; no crisis or power in this world can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus!
As a team, at FEBA Radio SA, we have decided not to waste our energy on searching for water in dry wells. “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col 3:1,2). We want to encourage you, our beloved FEBA supporters, to join us in focusing all your thoughts on God, pursue Him and put all your trust in Him daily. Remain focused on His priorities for this world, and do not become discouraged by the COVID-19 pandemic. There are so many new opportunities to take advantage of during this time. As a result of the entire world coming to a complete stand still, people have more time to listen to messages that can change their lives, and they now have the opportunity to properly balance their priorities. It is also important to note that during a time of crisis, people are much more inclined to seek for God. When people’s lives are threatened and worldly solutions no longer provide a suitable remedy, people are more receptive to good advice. An excellent example of this is the current explosion of interest in our broadcasts in China – responses were up by an amazing 40% (1.8million) in March alone; thanks to the Coronavirus!
In the FEBA world, we have more opportunities and open doors than ever before and we are quickly learning new skills that will make us more effective as a ministry in the future. As churches and ministries across the world are passing through unprecedented turbulence; let us stand together and pray for each other during this time of crisis. We pray that God will help you to rediscover the true essence of your lives and ministries – “Christ in us is the hope of glory” (Col 1:27). The prophet Daniel of old, also shared wise words that can be useful to us now, “Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever” – (Dan 12:3)
Dear FEBA partners, this season calls for action, let us strengthen ourselves again in our most holy faith; dedicate ourselves to one another, to our neighbour, and to the high calling God has entrusted to each one of us – and that is, to proclaim the Good News and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:18-20). Know that as a team, we are committed to praying for each of you during this time. Feel free to contact us via phone or email, we are available to pray with you.
