This is part of our series, Discipleship & the Coronavirus, featuring posts written by GABC members on what God is teaching them during the coronavirus pandemic.
You may read the entire series here.
by David Baum (David serves at Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory)
This is a time where my default response increasingly is to prepare and pray. Since 2013, God has shown me that prayer is the strategy, after putting on His whole armor (Ephesians 6:10 – 20). Before, I just grabbed whatever armor I could find and headed to where I heard ‘shooting,’ still trying to get the chinstrap snapped, hoping it’s attached to a helmet and not a belt or sandal. Prayer from a broken and contrite heart is a sweet aroma of sacrifice that rises to Him in worship, praise, and thanksgiving. Brokenness and contrition are confessed to Him so that we may praise the name of Jesus Christ, Who has restored our strength and purchased our righteousness. Part of my brokenness comes by virtue of being a citizen of this country. Recall 2 Chronicles 7:11-22 out of which many know only verse 14 (and that as a sort of PIN for a holy ATM) and not its call to obedience (brokenness and contrition) to God with its consequences for rebellion. Then come the first three chapters of Proverbs in which we are called to fear God, the beginning of wisdom.
When I arise before Him, God reminds me of His equipping for just such a time. He’s prepared me with training in infectious disease management and infectious disease elimination* among the living. (The “*” is to remind all of us that ‘disease elimination’ really means ‘not detected,’ ergo absence of evidence is not evidence of absence). He has given some pretty decent personal hygiene practices. He has shown us how to minister to people in need. He has given a pulpit at GABC from which we can hear His word. He has given His Word. He has empowered us by His Holy Spirit because His Son, who died for us, arose from the dead and ascended to His throne, has asked God the Father to give us The Holy Spirit. He is faithful!
This equipping is so that I would encourage my children to turn their eyes toward Jesus. I also remind them to wash their hands all the way up to their elbows and keep their fingers out of their mouths. He has given me the privilege of two bosses who are also steeped in infectious disease management and who rely on me to carry out their directives to lead others each day as they serve the country’s livestock industry. It was a privilege to meet with my team and introduce them to The Black Box named COVID – 19. In doing so, they were reminded of their essential role in animal health management, recognized by the OIE, CDC, and the board of regents. They were encouraged to stay home if ill; if they were able to come to work, we would triage each day’s work so that our clients’ needs continue to be met. At the same time, they are encouraged to practice social distancing as best they can. They were cautioned that as we work our way through The Black Box, anxiety will rise. When that happens, they’re to shout out for help. He has given me the privilege of speaking with clients who also must manage animal health along with their own. This, with the full knowledge of being in a high-risk age group. It matters not a whit. My Lord died for me; all I am is ‘at risk’.