Is the COVID-19 Crisis a Setup for Revival in America?

As national leaders, from the president’s administration to a federal task force to state governors, make daily decisions about American life during an increasingly challenging time, the American Pastors Network (APN) is looking at the nation’s current situation from a different perspective—one that is biblical and constitutional.

“Many of the decisions being made for Americans during the coronavirus pandemic seem to have little consideration for precedent or constitutional implications,” said APN President Sam Rohrer. “For example, the list of ‘essential businesses’ has changed quite a bit, and more will change, I believe, as the days unfold. On Easter, we saw Kentucky churchgoers faced with quarantine notices on their cars. Rules are always followed by enforcement. Enforcement always limits actions and sometimes rights. The limiting of rights always produces a reaction from the citizens. Reactions from citizens produces potential rebellion and chaos, which means more government. I’m afraid we have entered that zone.

“Certainly,” Rohrer added, “our actions and our attitudes will determine whether or not we are living by faith or fear, but a significant range of fundamental thoughts and considerations are impacting people’s minds. For instance, is government now becoming hostile to the Christian faith and attacking the Constitution? Is what’s happening a setup for a great revival that brings America back to all it was in the early days of our nation or are these clear evidences of worldwide birth pains that indicate a true closeness to the rapture and tribulation? Should we as Christians disregard what’s going on, expecting that all of a sudden we will be raptured, or should we think more seriously about preparing in greater earnestness for the protection and provision for our own families and the family of God—or both? Regardless of any of these things, we ought to focus on the communication of the Gospel and biblical truth, as well as how to think and act in these days.”

Rohrer also commented that the COVID–19 plague has exposed the underbelly of America’s security and prosperity, as it is falsely believed by most Americans and arrogantly touted by the political elite that the American security and economy was invincible.

“Even the proud and ignorant have stumbled and grasped for answers during this plague,” he added. “Like the statue of Baal in the Philistines’ temple of long ago, America’s ‘gods’ of security, wealth, entertainment, sports, personal gratification and busyness now lie humbled, face down in obeisance to Someone greater. As God divinely demonstrated His power over the gods of ‘mighty Egypt 3,500 years ago, He’s allowed something powerful to happen to us. A wakeup call to America as whole? Certainly. But a trumpet alert to God’s people? Absolutely! A slow-motion 9/11. The questions to those who say we know God are: What will we do about this wake-up alarm? In whom will we now trust? How will our priorities and understanding of God’s role in our lives and our nation’s future be reordered?

“Through this plague, certain physical needs have been exposed,” Rohrer continued. “Making certain policy and personal adjustments are wise. Yet, our greatest need is spiritual and revolves around which god we will trust and conform our lives. If our sick and divided nation is ever to be restored, our broken and hurting families healed, prosperity renewed, security from our enemies and God’s favor on our land returned, God’s people must choose Him and then lead the way.”

APN recently offered pastors a COVID-19 Pastoral Response Kit, with suggestions, ideas and guidances for pastors and church leaders.

APN also hopes thousands will join the ministry for its national prayer movement called “52 Tuesdays,” in which the faithful from around the country will come together to pray for the moral and spiritual renewal of our nation every Tuesday leading up to Election Day 2020. This dedicated season of prayer not only addresses the important 2020 presidential election but also other topics close to Christians’ hearts. Prayer warriors nationwide can add their name to the growing “52 Tuesdays” list here.

Photo by Michael Amadeus on Unsplash