There is a story in the Old Testament that fascinates me. In the days of Elisha, the Syrians laid siege against the city of Samaria. This was during a time of famine, and the object was likely to starve the Samarians into submission. The siege was working well for the Syrians, as people became so hungry that they started buying “the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver.” 2 Kings 6:25. Conditions became extremely bad, and the King of the city sought out Elisha. Elisha prayed and was told that the next day, food would be so plentiful that “tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel...” 2 Kings 7:1. The King and the others listening did not understand how this was to be. When the Samarians awoke in the morning, they saw tents of the Syrian army, but saw no soldiers. They felt that the Syrians were likely trying to trap them, and waited awhile to see if they could detect the Syrians anywhere. Eventually, they ventured out and discovered that the entire Syrian army was gone, but that they had left all of their food, jewels, and provisions. Suddenly, there was more than enough food for the entire city. What happened? The Old Testament records that “the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us. Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses…, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.” 2 Kings 7:6-7. In other words, a very dire situation changed overnight, and all that was necessary was for a noise to be made. A simple noise changed everything for that city. Fast forward a few thousand years. When Utah was first being settled, the pioneers that came worked hard to grow their crops. They were devastated when large swarms of insects appeared and started eating their crops that would be necessary for their survival. This situation changed quickly for them as large flocks of seagulls arrived and ate the insects. A simple act of nature changed everything for them. Fast forward now another 150 years or so. SARS, a virus cousin of Covid-19, hits in 2003. SARS also originated in China, as did Covid-19. During this time, I was a missionary in Taiwan. When SARS came to Taiwan, Taiwan implemented quite a few restrictions, closed meetings, banned handshakes, required masks in public, etc. The fear associated with SARS was palpable, and SARS was having a significant impact in the lives of many. A good friend of mine lost his father to SARS. After a few weeks of restrictions, Taiwan was set to implement far more serious lockdowns. We were preparing as missionaries to be stuck in our apartment for weeks or months as they continued to battle SARS. Soldiers were walking the streets spraying disinfectant everywhere. Suddenly though, instead of more serious restrictions, all restrictions were lifted. SARS had disappeared from Taiwan almost overnight. When we asked what happened, we were told that the heat had killed SARS. Taiwan had warmed up quite a bit, and SARS had suddenly disappeared. It was no match for the heat. Current websites state that SARS disappeared due to the effective quarantine measures that were taken, but the reason put forth at the time were that the disappearance of SARS was a direct result of the heat. Regardless of the reason though, SARS disappeared quickly. These stories all highlight a principle that there can be a very simple solution to a large-scale problem. Everything has an Achilles heel. While we haven’t discovered Covid-19’s Achilles heel yet, Heaven can help us in that process. Perhaps a solar flare from the sun can fry Covid-19, perhaps there is a simple mixture of herbs that kills it, perhaps the quarantine measures will be effective. The sun is flying through space at breakneck speeds as it circles the galaxy, and Earth is as well as it circles the sun. Maybe there is a large wall of radiation, dark matter, or something else sitting in space that we pass through in the next few days that kills Covid-19. Or, maybe Heaven simply stops Covid-19, in ways that we don’t understand. Whatever happens though, we can exercise faith and call upon the powers of Heaven to help us. There is real power in faith, and the combined faith of our brothers and sisters in this world can have a significant and lasting impact on the course of Covid-19. Good Friday, April 10, 2020, has been designated a worldwide day of fasting to seek Heaven’s help on obtaining relief from Covid-19. Fasting is a way for us to connect with the powers of Heaven, and we fully believe that the united fasting and prayers of those around the world can dramatically shift the course of Covid-19. We invite you to join us. Come be a part of changing the world. Whether the solution is a loud noise, a bunch of birds, warm weather, inspired understanding of Covid-19’s Achilles heel, or some other assistance, fasting can help us connect with Heaven as we seek miracles on our behalf and the behalf of the countless others impacted by this pandemic. As Isaiah states: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? … to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? … Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily…” Isaiah 58:6-8. Fasting is an appointed means to break every yoke, undo the heavy burdens, and have our health spring forth speedily. Please join in a worldwide fast this Good Friday, and call upon the powers of Heaven to help at this time. Even though it may be simple, your faith and efforts may just help us obtain the solution we need as we work to stop this pandemic. |