Essential workers are called heroes.

We are on the frontlines of COVID-19, attempting to detect and treat patients who are infected, risking exposure to the virus.

But there are many times when we don’t feel like heroes. When a patient dies, we feel that we’ve failed them. And when a patient survives but had to suffer for 2-3 weeks in the hospital, we over-analyze our decisions and figure out how we could’ve done better. We want to perform acts of heroism but often feel that we fall short of this high expectation.

We stress over the number of cases in our county. We stress over the rising death toll. We stress over the supplies. And this stress inhibits feelings of heroism.

I wonder if David felt like a hero when he decided to pick up some rocks and a sling to fight Goliath?

I wonder if Moses felt like a hero when he was stuck in the desert for 40 years?

Did Jesus feel like a hero when he suffered and died on the cross?

Sometimes, in the midst of our deepest, darkest, distraught moments, acts of heroism arise. Sometimes, in the midst of our deepest fears and insecurities, a hero is born.

How?

When David placed a rock in his sling, he knew it would take a supernatural power to take down the giant.

When Moses looked at the Red Sea, he knew it would take a supernatural power to escape from the Egyptians.

As an essential worker, I know it will take a supernatural power to get rid of this pandemic.

That knowledge and power comes from faith in God.

“This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9 NLT

David would not have faced the giant if he didn’t have the faith that the rock from his sling would strike the giant with such precision that it would cause an instant death.

Moses would not have stared at the Red Sea if he didn’t have faith that God would split the seas and create a path for escape.

I would not face each and everyday with courage against COVID-19 if I didn’t know that God stands with me, behind me, and in front of me.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.” Psalms 27:1-3 NLT

No matter what your current situation is, know that you can become a hero. When you are trying to find a way to escape from your abusive husband, know that God is with you. When you crave another pint of liquor, know that David’s sling took down a seven foot giant. Know that when darkness falls, it doesn’t prevail because Jesus said that He is the light of the world.

Know that as you stand in the valley of your desperate situation, the power of God will allow you to do something supernatural.

You can become a hero. Tap into the infinite source within you. Access the supernatural. Know God and His power.

God, hear my prayer. We are in the middle of a battlefield. And each and everyone one of us is facing both the common enemy of COVID-19 but also our own individual battles. I’m here to pray for power. I’m here to pray for courage. I’m here to pray that we reach for you, where our supernatural strength comes from. Because without you, we are only human. I raise my hand towards the heavens, with the knowledge that when I strike down, it’s your hand that is striking down for me. I raise my voice to praise you with the knowledge that when I speak your holy name, the wind will pick up my voice and blow my enemies away. Because I know that “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.” Psalms 46:11 NLT.