Texas Gov. Greg Abbott discussed the effects of the coronavirus, and his hope to reopen the Lone Star state up for business during an online church service from Dallas on Sunday. In an interview with Pastor Jack Graham of Prestonwood Baptist Church, Abbott reflected on past obstacles he faced in life, and how those moments helped prepare him to effectively lead Texas against the COVID-19 crisis.

“When I was just 26 years old, I suffered, literally, a back-breaking injury,” he explained, saying it was a test of faith and one that everyone is experiencing now.

“The growth of the coronavirus in Texas is slowing by people staying at home, by people reducing interaction with others,” he continued. “God’s hand is working through the scientists across this great nation by coming out with fast, innovative drugs that would lead to therapeutic remedies.”

Abbott further told the viewers they have “support you can lean on that will always be there for you, and that’s Jesus Christ.”

Gov. Abbott said he wants Texas to lead the way in how we should open up our states again. He said the state would have a phase-in plan to do so safely.

The governor concluded, “Put your faith in God. God will bring you through this and Texas will once again rise up to be the number one economy in the United States of America.”

The pastor said their church will help cooperate so it is “the greatest comeback that we’ve ever known.”

Graham, who is on President Trump’s Evangelical Advisory Board, further told Abbott, “We don’t want to be a part of the problem, we want to be a part of the solution in opening up Texas again, at the right time, safely and in the right way.”