Pestilence Confronted: Always Pray and Don’t Give Up

Pestilence Confronted: “Jesus told his disciples a parable to show that they should always pray and not give up.”   Luke 18:1

Recently I heard a story about a survivor of the Covid 19 virus. The survivor, an older man, was intent on finding and thanking the nurse who kept him alive both physically and mentally. It seems the man was receiving treatment in a hospital which could not allow his family to visit. Desperately sick and without his family at his side, the only voices of comfort he heard during his struggle to survive were from his caregivers. The man remembered one nurse in particular whose kind and encouraging words meant everything to him. She told him: “do not give-up.” These words were so powerful that the man attributed his survival and recovery to this nurse and these simple encouraging words. He eventually found the women and was able to express his thanks to her for helping to save his life. 

Jesus knew that the church (the community of Christ-followers) would experience many temptations, hardships and even persecution before the coming of the kingdom of God (Jesus return). He told this parable (Luke 18:1-8) to demonstrate that persistent prayer to God will be heard and honored; even more so than the unrighteous judge who gave in to the constant requests of the widow. The Covid 19 virus has caused much anxiety, suffering and death. It is not over. This condition may continue until a vaccine is developed and widely available. So don’t give up! 

Be persistent like the widow and “let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-6).

Global Prayer Points

As we seek to see our marketplace transformed by the Gospel, join us in prayer this week for the following requests from our Global Leadership. 

Africa: Pray for God’s intervention as we fight this virus globally. Pray for God’s protection and preservation of the health of all CBMC members across the world. Pray for the growth of CBMC in Africa, even during these challenging days.

Asia/Pacific: Pray that the virus will not continue especially in India, Bangladesh and Indonesia. Pray for Malaysia to have a righteous government, political stability, economic recovery and racial harmony. Hong Kong: please pray for peace and God’s intervention. 

Europe: Pray for our coaches and friends who help the business people and their peers in these crisis times. Specific prayer requests can be sent to [email protected]

Latin America: Pray for protection and healing of CBMC families and team members who are in Mexico, Argentina, Perus and Brazil, ‘hot spots’ of the pandemic.

North America: Pray for establishing an e-CBMC (next generation) in North America Korean CBMC. Pray that Christian leaders would take the challenge to lead other leaders who need Jesus. 

If you have a prayer request, please send an email to CBMC International.