My goal in sharing my story is to give you a personal account about COVID-19 and share the effect it has had on my faith.
I work as an RN patient care supervisor in Los Angeles. A few weeks ago, after a long week at the home health office, I woke up feeling like something wasn’t right. I felt a little delirious with a low-grade fever (not something to be too concerned about).
However, throughout the next 2 days, my temperature got as high as 101.6, and I felt like I was dying. I had horrible body aches, accompanied by chills, and Tylenol became my new best friend.
Finally, on day 3, I contacted my doctor. Upon hearing my symptoms, she decided to test me for coronavirus because of my profession and possible risk of exposure. Still feverish, I slowly and carefully drove to the doctor’s office, and per her instructions, I stayed in my car. A nurse came out to meet me, fully dressed in an isolation gown, N95 respirator mask, gloves, and face shield. She stuck a swab up my nose to test me. It was very unpleasant.
A few days later, my fevers had dissipated (thank you, Jesus!). I was weak but feeling better. My doctor called and told me the news – I had tested positive for coronavirus. The Department of Public Health also called and gave me instructions about isolating myself. I had to wait at least 3 days after my last symptom before going back out into the community. Also, my wife and son had to count 14 days since my last symptom before they would be clear, assuming they didn’t have symptoms themselves, and thank God they did not.
The thing that held me up from going back to work was the loss of my sense of smell. Apparently, a lot of younger coronavirus victims have this odd symptom. Thankfully, after religiously sniffing essential oils for 5 straight days, my sense of smell came back, and I was once again able to recognize my son’s stinky diapers.
I have now been back at work for a few weeks now, and I feel great! God has been gracious to me through this experience, and I have a newfound appreciation for my life, and especially for my wife and son. My faith in the Lord has increased, and I understand how He provides comfort to the afflicted and suffering.
Thoughts On COVID-19
As an RN patient care supervisor who works with staff caring for those diagnosed with coronavirus, I believe we should have a balanced response. Yes, we do need to be concerned about the safety of ourselves and our families and follow guidelines put forth by the CDC and the Department of Public Health. This means wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and following social distancing rules.
However, the virus is not the end of the world either, and there’s no reason to hoard groceries or get overly scared because of what we see on the news. News outlets often report the exceptions and extreme cases, while “normal” stories like my own experience are not highlighted. Let us be cautious, but let us not be paranoid.
Trusting The Lord
One of the most important things we can learn from this whole situation is our need to turn back to Jesus and put our faith and trust in Him.
A friend of mine shared with me his favorite Bible passage, which especially ministered to me:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’ For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence.” (Psalm 91:1-3)
Also, we need to recognize the idols in our lives and forsake them for Christ. We need to get our priorities straight and start being the hands and feet of Jesus in this hurting world. It starts with the church loving each other, then reaching out to share Christ’s love with the world.
By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35)
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
Prayer Requests
- Pray for those suffering from coronavirus and those who have lost loved ones because of the illness
- Pray for those who have been economically affected by the pandemic, and who need jobs and provision for themselves and their families
- Pray for our leaders (world, nation, state, county) to have the discernment to make wise decisions for everyone’s good
- Pray for healthcare workers (and our families), especially those caring directly for coronavirus patients. Pray for safety, rest, and strength, and enough equipment to safely care for our patients
- Pray for revival in this world, that people all over the globe would turn to Jesus for their ultimate hope and peace in the midst of everything going on
Final Thoughts
I hope my experience serves to encourage you and point you towards Christ as your source of hope and peace through trials. I would also encourage you to join me in prayer for the things listed above. Our God hears our prayers and is gracious to answer us!
“Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)