The governor of our state has asked people to pray about the pandemic virus. In response to this request, the following appeared in our local paper Sunday morning in the letters to the editor:

“When government fails to work, try another thing that fails to work. Prayer is not an action—it’s talking to an imaginary character as that’s easy to do. Real work is harder. Prayer has never cured a pimple, much less a pandemic. Prayer is not needed—science and leadership are, but maybe that’s beyond this governor’s comprehension and ability.”

The remainder of the letter was filled with slaps at the governor and judgments about matters that are out of his control. He accused the governor of praying rather than acting.

I suspect that there are many around the world that would agree with the writer of this letter. I can feel nothing but pity for such beliefs. Can you imagine living in this time of crisis without prayer? I certainly can’t.

The words from the writer of Hebrews give us hope and encouragement in not only this crisis but in every trial and temptation we face as Christians. “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:14-15 ESV).

This passage would have reminded the Jews of the high priest and the day of atonement under the Law of Moses. The writer of Hebrews was concerned about the Christians understanding that there is something better. The new high priest, Jesus, had lived, died, and been resurrected. Then He ascended into heaven. There, Jesus would look down on His obedient servants, see their misery, feel their sorrow, and wait for them to approach the throne of God with their requests for help.

When death comes close to us, it suddenly becomes real. It comes with the temptation to doubt if heaven and hell are real. Some question the reality of God, and some react, like the writer of this letter, with accusations brought about by doubt and fear.

The early Christians suffered persecutions that we can only imagine. Paul’s words of encouragement were meant to strengthen and encourage them. Those words can do the same for us in times of temptations and also in times of trouble. Paul said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

 The things that keep us from being anxious, fearful, and filled with doubt are prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. (Don’t miss that part about being thankful.) That is as important, if not more so, than asking. We can always find something for which to be thankful.

James, the brother of Jesus, wrote some of the most comforting words for those experiencing trials. You can read his profound words on the testing of our faith in James 1. Here are a few of them:

• Count it joy when you have various trials.
• The testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
• Steadfastness can make you perfect and complete.
• Ask God for wisdom.
• God gives generously.
• Ask in faith, without doubting.
• Man will be blessed if he remains steadfast under trial.
• God does not tempt us.
• Man is tempted when he is enticed by his own desire.

God understands the challenges we face when we are tempted, not just with sin but with unbelief. Paul explains it this way, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (First Corinthians 10:13).

Paul also had the perfect answer for those who question God and His existence. “…every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:11-12). Paul knew, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that the time will come when every person will confess that there is a God. Even the writer of this letter will confess the name of the Father.

In the mind of the writer of the letter, prayers won’t remove a pimple or stop a pandemic; but he is wrong. Prayers will see us through any temptation, any trial, and any pandemic. We must totally and completely trust in God, thanking, asking, and trusting that “…for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

 Sandra Oliver