Having the Faith of Jesus

Having the Faith of Jesus

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By: Samantha Charles · July 2, 2020 · 3 min read

The world is in the midst of a crisis, a global pandemic called COVID-19. As a Christian, I have always been grateful for the faith I have in Christ. I often wonder how individuals can maneuver daily life in this crazy world without Christ. See, I was raised in a Christian family, and though I have strayed in the past, I never stopped believing in God. I always knew that God was sufficient, but that knowledge was challenged by COVID -19. As a Registered Nurse, I was rocketed to the "front line" in the fight against this disease. This pandemic is wreaking havoc on our communities and families. It has taken many lives, and as hard as it is to think about, many of these individuals have gone down in Christ-less graves.

We know so little about this virus, it seemed like they were constantly diagnosing or inventing new symptoms and suggested treatments. At the beginning of each shift, we are quickly briefed on new or modified policies. I understand that the modifications are a necessity, through them, we are learning new information about the virus and how to adjust accordingly. It brought so much anxiety to me and other staff members. I know of several health care workers who have either quit their jobs or decided to take some time off work because it is too overwhelming.

I too was becoming weary and overwhelmed. I dreaded walking through the hospital doors at the beginning of the shift. I would pray on the way to the assignment board that I wasn't being floated to the Coronavirus Unit. I would proclaim my trust in God but would go back to a place of worry and anxiety. It was then that the Holy Spirit revealed to me that believing in Jesus is not enough. The Bible tells us if we believe there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. So, believing alone is not sufficient. It was then I realized that I needed the faith OF Jesus! You see Jesus had an unwavering faith in his Father. He trusted that whatever happened in his life his Father was still there walking with him; I realized I had to put this faith in action. Psalms 144:15 said: "Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord." The people of God can be happy even amidst a crisis, yea, amidst a global pandemic because we have a God who is faithful to his children.

In the morning before I walk in the hospital, I still feel like I'm walking into a fiery furnace and whenever I work on the COVID Floor I feel like the furnace has been made seven times hotter. Like the three Hebrew boys, I know that my Big Brother, my Savior, my Friend is beside me. My routine for going to a COVID room is this; goggles, N95 face mask, face shield, hair cover, gown, and a whispered prayer for protection. That prayer often brings a feeling of peace in my heart, enabling me to stand tall and walk boldly into the room. I feel as though my Big Brother who can see the invisible enemy is watching and fighting the COVID virus for me. I have a peace that passeth all understanding. Some days the devil sneaks in and doubt rattles my heart and mind. It's usually when I arrive home and I see my three girls with eager eyes waiting and wanting to run into my arms, but they know they can't because mommy is "dirty". And so, they sit and wait while I do my after-work ritual; disposing of my dirty scrubs in the garage, wiping down the car, and my lunch bag with disinfectant wipes. The shower is usually long and sometimes accompanied by many short prayers of protection for my family. I try taking deep breaths and getting ready to see their anxious faces just waiting to hug me, but, as soon as they charge towards me, I hold my breath feeling so guilty to even breathe on them. I am afraid I might exhale this demon called COVID-19 on them. In these moments I have to close my eyes and though my mouth is still, and no sound comes from my lips, I cry out to my God and beg him to increase my faith. Like the Father of the demon-possessed boy, I cry out: "Lord I believe, help thou my unbelief". I believe you are guiding my family to help me to trust you fully and wholeheartedly. And my Big Brother reminds me to "breathe Sam, breathe! Remember I am here still fighting this enemy for you, just breath".

 

“I hold my breath feeling so guilty to even breathe on them. I am afraid I might exhale this demon called COVID-19 on them.”

 

I am breathing much better these days because I am learning to trust God a little more. I thank God for this experience because it has revealed that I do not possess the Faith of Jesus. The bible tells us that there is coming a time when our faith will be tried. We will need the faith of Jesus to withstand the wiles of the devil.

 

About the Author: A mother, wife, friend, and Registered Nurse, that has been on the frontline of this Covid-19 fight. As a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian my faith has been tested and tried. Despite the circumstances I desire to exemplify the Faith of Jesus.