As news reports about the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda increase in frequency and intensity, anxiety and fear can be triggered, especially for those of us who lived through the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though it is very natural to feel this way, as a Christian, I don’t want to stay there. I want to step beyond these feelings and pray.
But sometimes, when fear takes over my mind or when the problem is too big to solve or seems too far outreach, I can’t even think of how to pray. In those overwhelming moments, I try to pause, breathe, and look at the circumstance through a special lens—the eyes of Jesus. I ask Him to give me His eyes and show me His heart for the situation; I am gently guided on what and how to pray. Today, I’d like to invite you to join me in simple, heartfelt prayer for the Ebola outbreak. And my hope is that when we pray, we experience the peace that transcends all understanding in the midst of this storm that has global implications.
First, we pray that we are not conquered by fear. God, give us courage to let go of fear and anxiety and be still in front of you. Help us put every concern at the foot of the cross and depend on you only because nothing is impossible for you, Lord.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4: 6
