Fear Not
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”- 2 Timothy 1:7
It seems with each passing hour new information emerges about the Coronavirus pandemic. The numbers, stories, and images are sweeping our nation and globe. From sporting events being cancelled, mass purchasing of supplies (where is all the toilet paper), and the stock market tumbling, the scope of this virus is moving faster and more far-reaching than anyone could have first imagined.
As we are currently in our 21 days of Fasting and Prayer leading up to Easter, I cannot help but feel the Holy Spirit reminding God’s people of the power and victory we have because of Christ’s resurrection and the calling He had given us to pray, be at peace, and proclaim His love. On that first Easter Sunday, as the disciples were locked in a house (on fear quarantine) Jesus walked in and reassured them in John 20:21, “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.”
As we navigate the realities of this current season, here are a couple of thoughts to increasing our faith and becoming immune to fear:
Preparation is okay, Panic is not
Be Wise, but still Live Life
The Coronavirus is not something being taken lightly. In addition to those who have tested positive and those who have lost loved ones from the virus, it has affected businesses, people’s travel schedules and plans, school campus have shut-down and contingency plans have been set up. The hearts of many are racing a million miles a minute. Again, there is nothing wrong with being well-prepared and informed. As a church we are working through an action plan for our gatherings and church calendar.
Above all the plans and preparation, the Lord desires to quiet our hearts, bring peace to our minds, and remind us that He is still on the throne as the Eternal, Unmatched, and Victorious king. Psalm 91:4-6 declares, “God will cover you in His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.”
As we have entered unchartered waters as a nation with this virus, be reminded and reassured that there is Savior who calms the storms. In this season we have fasted and prayed in what we have called, “SEARCH AND RESURRECTION”, and I believe that we have been given a kingdom of God mandate and mission for such a time as this! We are to pray for our land to be healed (2 Chronicles 7:14); we are to speak resurrection hope to people who are riddled with fear and doubt (1 Peter 3:15); and we are to rest in confidence that nothing can move us out of God’s loving care and perfect will (Romans 8:37-39).