“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5)

Many politicians have described the coronavirus outbreak as an invisible enemy. Yes, indeed, the world is fighting against it at the moment. The war with this enemy is fierce and the death toll is high.

In the midst of this crisis, I am touched by Psalm 23. Through the valley of the shadow of death, in the midst of enemies, the psalmist is still at peace. He is confident that he can eat peacefully because of God’s providence. This is also true among the people in Hubei, China.

When the outbreak began, I contacted many pastors and church leaders for their perspective. I encountered different attitudes: Some felt that they could not do anything to help. Some tried their best to learn to do something at home. Some asked God bravely to open doors to help others.

I began to see God miraculously answering our prayers. First, God opened a door of opportunity for Pastor C*. He was granted permission to travel around and visit people in a small city near Wuhan. Second, God moved in the hearts of people in Canada and Hong Kong to give generously to support families affected by the crisis.

Through this support from churches, more than 180 families had food on their tables during the most difficult time in the outbreak. This reminded me of when God sent manna to support the Israelites as they wandered in the desert.

A person who received fresh vegetables delivered by Pastor C said, “In such times, only Christianity shows real love.” Then, the manager of that residential area urged him to go to church and accept Jesus after the outbreak. The love demonstrated by many Christians risking their own lives to help others, sacrificing their comfort, demonstrated the love of God.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall I dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6)

I think this is how faith works. It keeps us from fear as we trust in the guidance of God.