Everyone is waiting with bated breath about a possible treatment option for the coronavirus. As each day passes, we have been enthralled with numbers—numbers of people diagnosed with and tested for COVID-19. And even more saddening, the lives that have been lost.
But let us take a moment to look at this virus pandemic with different numbers. Below are 7 ways to be encouraged as we help each other, and the United States, during this virus pandemic.
Let us find encouragement from the help that is rising up. Though we don’t know all the answers at this point, we can look forward to and anticipate the promised restoration to come.
“’These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’”—John 16:33
Israel Helping the United States
Israel is known for its innovative technology and medical research. Their Health Ministry is expediting approval for a possible treatment for the coronavirus. This treatment is believed to help decrease recovery time and complications related to the coronavirus.
CBN News reported…
“An Israeli pharmaceutical company is donating to US hospitals more than 6 million doses of hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug touted by President Donald Trump and others as a potential new treatment for COVID-19 patients.
“Teva, a pharmaceutical giant in Israel, has announced it will begin donating millions of hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets to hospitals across the US starting March 31.
“’Immediately upon learning of the potential benefit of hydroxychloroquine, Teva began to assess supply and to urgently acquire additional ingredients to make more product while arranging for all of what we had to be distributed immediately,’ said Brendan O’Grady, Teva Executive Vice President North America Commercial…”i (emphasis added)
The FDA reported earlier this month…
“The FDA has been working closely with other government agencies and academic centers that are investigating the use of the drug chloroquine, which is already approved for treating malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, to determine whether it can be used to treat patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19…
“‘President Trump’s aggressive response and bold actions to keep Americans safe from COVID-19 bought us precious time to advance therapeutics and other necessary tools,’ said Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar.”ii (emphasis added)
The FDA reports that the drug is not yet been approved for coronavirus patients. However, as a person who is being inundated with virus pandemic news, how are you to process all of this information?
7 Ways to Be Encouraged in a Rising Up During the Virus Pandemic
1. Instead of criticizing President Trump’s efforts to keep our nation safe, let us be encouraged that he is working tirelessly for this nation. If we hear of poor reports about our government or the president during this highly stressful and emotional time, let us remember that we are not at war with each other. We are all on the same side that is fighting an invisible enemy.
2. With the amount of gloom in the media, it’s easy to be discouraged. However, let look at the positives that are happening. People are helping neighbors, businesses are adjusting hours to keep the elderly safe, and teachers are using innovation to reach out to students.
3. People are seeking God in prayer. Many are considering what this all means for our nation, our communities, our families, and our lives. People are reaching out on social media to each other and providing God’s Word as encouragement.
4. Honor is happening, even if it seems hidden. There is a turning in our nation. We are turning our hearts to honor God, our leaders, and each other. We can always find something to complain about… but let us rise up and find something to commend in the crisis.
5. People are realigning with biblical values. A biblical worldview seems to be shut out and ignored when all is well. But when a crisis occurs, people are more likely to seek out a biblical reason and view for it.
6. Voices are being heard. Just as biblical values are getting noticed, those who stand for biblical Judeo-Christian values are being heard. From Believers going LIVE stream of Facebook, to sharing Bible verses on Instagram, these voices are being listened to and noticed during this hour.
7. Israel still perseveres. The nation of Israel is being plagued by this virus pandemic just as the rest of the world is. However, they could easily retreat and be concerned about their own borders, as they are surrounded by enemies who are always waiting for an opportune time to attack . But Israel doesn’t retreat. They persevere and help others. They extend their medical intel to help preserve lives.
As days and weeks progress through this virus pandemic, let’s remember where our focus should be… on our God, our nation, our families, and our communities.
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:11