I still remember where the framed fabric was displayed in my childhood home. Its timeless words were lovingly sewn on antique cream cloth, etched in jagged blue-thread letters surrounded by beautiful pastel handsewn flowers. The quote read, “Sometimes God calms the storm, and sometimes, He lets the storm rage and calms His child.”

After an enduring trudge through 2020, many felt the storm’s surge amidst cancelled activities, economic hardships, anxiety, loneliness, and other stressors from the pandemic that barreled its way through the year and globe. Perhaps you’ve felt like God let a storm rage around you or within you through unexpected trials this year. While the pandemic continues, how might God desire to offer peace, hope and comfort as we persevere in prayer over the coming months?

God uses storms to grow our faith

In these moments of trial, we are reminded of the supernatural hope we have in Christ. When COVID-19 numbers first surged in early Spring, global Google searches for prayer skyrocketed to the highest level ever recorded. According to an article entitled, “Rising religiosity as a global response to COVID-19 fear,” researcher Jeanet Bentzen writes that over half the world prayed for the end of the coronavirus by March 2020. God uses storms to develop persevering faith. It is not surprising that American Bible Society’s State of the Bible found that nearly half (47%) of practicing Christians surveyed strongly agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic has strengthened their faith.

While doctors, hospitals and clinics prepare for forecasted COVID-19 surges this winter, many regions are already experiencing signs of a second wave of the virus. As we face a second wave of the pandemic, let’s pray for a second wave of prayer and Bible engagement to sweep the globe, as we declare Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise.” (GNT)

3 Ways to Persevere in Prayer during the Pandemic:

• Download the “20 Truths to Declare During the COVID-19 Outbreak” resource to declare the promises of God’s Word over storms you face in this season. May God’s Word ignite fresh peace, hope and comfort as you pray the precious promises of Scripture and experience his joy.
• Download the 14-day “Praying through Pandemic” guide to pray God’s Word over the variety of needs we face from the pandemic. Pray for faith to arise as you hear his voice in Scripture. Be inspired to ask God for healing, provisions and breakthroughs our communities need today.
• Download the “Beyond Disaster” resource to ignite your prayers for protection and healing in communities. Intercede for church leaders and those searching for truth to find wisdom and comfort. Pray for restoration amidst growing mental and emotional health struggles due to mounting COVID-19 pressures.