In a live broadcast from the Emmanuel TV studios on Sunday, March 22, 2020, Prophet T.B. Joshua counselled viewers on the need to avoid fear as the world faces an uphill battle against the coronavirus. Delivering a message titled FEAR IS MORE DECEPTIVE, he assured believers of God’s protection in a time when the spirit of fear is ravaging nations across the world. Citing the book of 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV), he guaranteed them God’s love and well-meaning disposition: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The man of God earlier recalled, through video clips, how he had prophesied about the social restrictions that the coronavirus spread would create. He was very particular about the impact on The SCOAN service. On Sunday 24, February 2019, he gave congregants the first prophetic message about The SCOAN service: “The thing God is still telling me – you will just get here one day, you will learn that there is no church…So, you’ll meet me on Emmanuel TV talking to you…” The second prophetic message came on the 7th day of April, 2019 during The SCOAN service: You know, I told you people of recent: you may be here, you’ll learn that there is no service – close the church. You meet us on Emmanuel TV…Fearful year!” The third and last prophetic message, before the pandemic led to social restrictions, came on Sunday the 5th day of January, 2020 during The SCOAN service: “I am so concerned about what is going to happen this year – so much concerned than anything. If it’s going to cost me to close the church and find out what is going to happen – because everywhere is fear.”
With the fulfilment of these prophecies and with the fear that is spreading across the world, Prophet T.B. Joshua also admonished believers on the dangers of harbouring fear: “When we begin to fear, we are giving place to the devil. What we are afraid of may eventually happen to us.” He concluded with prayers for viewers, all over the world: “Your children need Your healing hand. Heal them, in the name of Jesus! Never a sickness You cannot heal. Never a problem You cannot solve. The right hand of God is power. Restore them, in the name of Jesus! Bless them, in the name of Jesus! Those on the sickbed – Lord Jesus, guide the medical practitioners. Use them to restore their health. Lord Jesus, guide the surgeon’s hand! May their bodies respond to treatment, in the name of Jesus! Father, thank You Lord, in Jesus Christ’s name!”
Earlier, Prophets Racine and Chris, alongside Prophetess Angela, enjoined believers to cheer up and focus more on God’s promises rather than allow fear to rule their hearts. They agreed that the social restrictions and fear occasioned by the spread of the coronavirus is hampering human relationships as well as the relationship between God and man. However, they encouraged viewers all over the world to rejoice and declare victory and freedom, especially with the elating news emanating from Wuhan, China, where no new case of the dreaded virus has been reported in recent weeks. With a reading from the Book of Isaiah 35:4 (GNT), they reminded and reassured all true believers of God’s protection in times of trouble: “Tell everyone who is discouraged, ‘Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…’ ” Indeed, God will rescue His people; He will deliver them from the noisome pestilence. Emmanuel!
