Martha Fernández Moyano, Argentina
“Do not let your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1)
We are experiencing two historical events worldwide, in which the entire nursing staff is involved. One is the pandemic that has hit hard every place it has touched, rich or poor countries, with or without good health teams. The virus does not know of social or cultural differences.
Another fact is that this is the special year chosen by ICN and WHO as the International Year of Nursing. It is something unprecedented, as it is also that a year is celebrated in the midst of such a crisis and that Nursing is just one of the ones that is working the most.
It is difficult to do a devotional, for nurses from different cultures to read, but many things unite us: what we are experiencing today in health teams, the material needs that this pandemic is requiring, the anguish that each human being suffers, and the unknown of tomorrow.
For Christians, it is a unique opportunity to be light and salt of the earth. Health teams are on the front line of battle and we as members of the body of Christ must bring them peace. But how do we do it?
John 14: 1 says, “Do not be troubled, or distressed in your heart. Trust God.” The anguish arises as a reaction to the fear that we can catch COVID, or the anxiety of not knowing what will become of our loved ones tomorrow. “Trust God,” the word says. It seems like an easy response to the chaos we are in. We as Christians know that God is not a God of chaos, he is a God of order and that He is in control.
We must trust as a child, trusts that his father knows everything and is in control of all things. When a child is afraid of a vaccine. While the pediatrician prepares it, the child’s father embraces him and contains the growing fear. When Jesus said these words, He knew that in the world we would have affliction. We would always be facing situations that would cause us anxiety and anguish.
Jesus Christ said: “Trust, I have overcome the world” John 16:33. Many colleagues today can be saved if you show your faith in God. Your security in God, your self-control, your love, your compassion, and your peace can light the way and give hope to those who are suffering.
We pray for you, and for every nurse around the world that the Lord will fill him or her with His peace. Jesus would remove all anxiety and fear, knowing you can trust in the One who promised to be with us to the end. Amen.
