Overseer of God’s Remnant Assembly Akintayo Emmanuel Looks at How to Increase One’s Faith During the Coronavirus Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has created an unprecedented level of hardship for billions of people around the world. Those fortunate enough not to be infected by the virus and experience debilitating and potentially life-threatening symptoms have almost certainly been adversely impacted in other ways, including financially, vocationally, socially, psychologically, physically, and spiritually.

“Many people around the world are feeling disheartened and desperate by what is unfolding on a daily, and in some cases hourly basis,” commented Akintayo Emmanuel, the Overseer of God’s Remnant Assembly. “And as a result of this extreme pressure and stress, they are finding that their bedrock of faith is not as strong as they thought it was. Instead of feeling secure and trusting the will of God, they feel lost and terrified. However, now is not the time to give up. On the contrary, it is a call to action, and a profound opportunity to elevate their faith to a whole new level.”

Akintayo Emmanuel, who in addition to his work with God’s Remnant Assembly also serves as President of G42-Global Reformers, The Bridge, and GRA Mission Squad, recommends that people who need to re-ignite their faith during this difficult time, or who are striving to help family members and friends in need of spiritual strength, should focus on three particularly powerful and profound passages in the Bible: Proverbs 3:5–6, 1 Peter 4:12–13, and 2 Timothy 4:7.

Proverbs 3:5–6: “With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment.
Always let Him lead you, and He will clear the road for you to follow.”

Commented God’s Remnant Assembly’s Akintayo Emmanuel, who has a vision of seeing all nations coming together to worship the Lord and deeply walking closer to Him; especially nations that have yet to be reached with the everlasting gospel of the Kingdom of God: “We are a small part of a vast whole, and despite our thirst and quest of knowledge, there are things that we cannot understand on an intellectual and cognitive level. During this pandemic, while we must follow the dictates of reason and common sense that include following the advice of public health officials with respect to social distancing and other rules, we should put our ultimately trust in God. He is the architect of our lives and creator of the universe.”

1 Peter 4:12–13: “Dear friends, do not be surprised or shocked that you are going through testing that is like walking through fire. Be glad for the chance to suffer as Christ suffered. It will prepare you for even greater happiness when he makes his glorious return.”

Instead of running away from the hardships and anxieties that we encounter during this difficult time, we should embrace them as an opportunity to affirm and strengthen our faith. During good times, anyone can convince themselves and others that they belong to Christ. However, when times are difficult, this assertion is put to the test.

2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Commented God’s Remnant Assembly’s Akintayo Emmanuel: “When we stand before God — we will not be able to take any of our wealth or possessions with us. All that we will have is the love in our hearts, and the answer to a vitally important question: did we keep the faith even when put to the test, or did we falter and fall short?”