Recent history is full of really difficult problems, such as wars, widespread diseases, political and economic upheaval and countless other challenges—both small and great. Right now, we are in the midst of a global pandemic, Coronavirus Covid 19.
Although we may never know the actual number of deaths from Covid 19, we do know that worldwide the alleged number is approaching five million. It is also claimed that tens of millions more people have or are suffering from this terrible virus.
True Christians are not immune to the ravages of the Covid 19. That fact has become abundantly clear following the Church of God’s observance of the Fall Festivals of God. Many people have been struck with Covid 19—some so severely that they could not at all observe the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day, while others were prevented from attending some of the services. Infections have not been limited to one particular church group. Reports indicate that individuals in many churches have contracted Covid 19.
As Christians, we have been taught to turn to God in times like these and seek His protection and His healing (James 5:14-18). But what do we do after we have been anointed? When complete healing does not come quickly, do we begin to doubt—even question whether or not God has heard our prayer to Him?
We might also ask ourselves, “How strong is my faith in God?” One example stands out in answering this question:
“Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’ The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, “Go,” and he goes; and to another, “Come,” and he comes; and to my servant, “Do this,” and he does it.’ When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!’… Then Jesus said to the centurion, ‘Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.’ And his servant was healed that same hour” (Matthew 8:5-10, 13).
James 5, verse 15, states, “And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” To call upon the ministry for anointing is having faith, like the centurion, to put our complete trust in God—in what God is able to do and in what He has promised to do, in times like these.
