I know the recent public health crisis has caused concerns and complications for everyone. Kids are out of school, workers are stranded at home, public hangouts are vacated, and people are scared. These are unusual times. I understand.

STR’s speaking events and conferences—including Birmingham reTHINK—are being canceled or postponed, grounding our speakers indefinitely, and we are re-ordering our schedules and our work plans to adjust. It’s hard to know what other difficulties you and I will have to confront in our personal lives and at STR as a result of the temporary disruptions: the depression of the economy, restrictions in travel, the availability of goods and services, the longer-term social and economic impact the present alarm might cause—or the harm that befalls your family if someone gets sick.

Don’t forget, though, Americans are a hardy breed, and we Christians are even hardier since, to paraphrase Paul, we know whom we have believed and we are convinced that He is able to guard what we have entrusted to Him until that day (2 Tim. 1:12). We have a safety net others do not.

I’m hoping and praying that this current health threat will play itself out before long, just as others have. It’s wise, though, that we take the kind of precautions appropriate to the circumstances, those that the CDC and other government agencies—both national and local—have advised. Our team is doing that, and we trust you are taking care of your own health and safety and the welfare of those close to you.

For us at Stand to Reason, though, the course is clear. We are going to stay steady at the helm. We are going to keep our hands to the plow. We have an important job to do and, while observing common-sense health safeguards, we are going to continue to move forcefully ahead with our mission and with our vision.

For our speakers, our altered travel schedules free up time for us to focus on other important things that might have been on the shelf while we were crisscrossing the country. None of us will have any difficulty redirecting our energies in profitable ways until the circumstances change. We have much to keep us busy.

Ironically, there may be a silver lining for you, too, during this current inconvenience. More time at home means more time together with family, more time to interact with those you love and cherish, and more time to give attention to important things that may have been neglected.

And remember, “social distance” doesn’t mean complete isolation, especially in a digital age. At STR we have podcasts, articles, videos and DVD courses that can strengthen you and your family during tough times. They will equip you to give hope to others during the current uncertainty. I urge you to share STR resources via email or social media with those in your network. Many people have time, and they are paying attention. You have an unprecedented opportunity to inspire faith instead of fear.

This is all just another way of saying we are here for you. If we can help you in any way, please let us know. If you need prayer, call us or email us (info@str.org). And be alert for those who may need your own help or encouragement, inside your family or outside. Pray for them. And pray together as a family—out loud, in a group. Remind them that God is in control.

We need prayer, too, for the health of our team, for the health of our larger STR community, and for STR’s financial stability during this time. The market has taken a temporary tumble because of the panic, and job schedules have been interrupted. It’s hard to know what effect this disruption will have for us economically. As for me, I’m not worried that this will be a problem given the incredible team of financial partners we have, but it is a possibility, thus the need for persevering prayer.

As for the present turmoil, this too shall pass. It always does. In the mean time, we at STR are going to stay calm, we are going to do our jobs without being distracted, and we are going to adjust to new circumstances as they present themselves. Simply put, we are going to be faithful and trust the Lord. Not a bad prescription for any challenge we face.

We are not afraid. I have great confidence in our team and in our larger STR community to step up and give our best regardless of the challenges—just as we have always done in the past. We have a tremendous Stand to Reason family. I am proud to be laboring beside you as part of it.