I see the panic. It may be an invisible emotion but it is very visible to the eye when you watch the people on the news, in press conferences and for me, a closer realm, social media. The world, even many Christians are buying into the lies of Satan (and the media) that we have reason to allow our emotions to control our lives rather than faith.
This is not a bash against people who have fear of the Coronavirus. I won’t say that I have fear, but I certainly have concern. I wash my hands after someone looks my direction. My skin is dry and cracking because of the hand sanitizer. I have no intentions of stopping that, I think it’s good hygiene as well as precautionary against the virus. What I do not do is allow the virus to control my thoughts. My thoughts are truly focused on those living in fear, and I have a desire to share the message of God that cries Peace!!! Just as Jesus spoke that over the water when the storm came and scared the disciples to death. Hey! They were saved… it didn’t stop their fear, so we’re in good company. Jesus calmed the water, and He’s doing the same for folks today but we have to take the time to sit a spell, and listen to what He saying. Rather than running in fear of an invisible enemy, which takes faith… you have to believe it’s there, even though it may not be, use that faith to trust in the invisible God, Who has proven Himself there time and time again.
I’m speaking to the saved. Those who have experienced God. If you’re not saved, or you’re not sure, keep reading until the end, your message will be there. But as for those who know Jesus and yet live in fear, ask yourself this question: Why are you fearful? Are you afraid of the virus, death, the economical effects… there’s plenty of fear to go around. Satan has every base covered and we’re heading around the home plate. This is not shaming you for your lack of faith, this is spoken in hopes of shoring up your faith.
Let’s look at Moses. He had faith to follow God’s instruction to be a leader, yet not enough faith to have confidence in his own leadership. That describes me so often.
Playing for the Home Team
Hebrews 11:24-32 KJVS
[24] By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; [26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
When Moses was “come to years” meaning when he had matured, he refused to be called someone he wasn’t called to be. Even though that meant stepping away from the comforts of everything he’d ever known. That’s what faith is. It’s what getting up in the morning and stepping outside the door is. We have to believe that even though this isn’t a comfortable place to be in, God is there with us, and that’s way better than being outside of Christ. The knowledge that Moses was switching to his home team gave him confidence to face his greater fears.
I didn’t mean for this to be a baseball analogy, but it’s working, right?
Plagues for the Away Team
[27] By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. [28] Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
Plagues of the literal sense for the Egyptians, not for the children of God. But that’s not the day we’re living in, this plague can attack the saved and unsaved alike. The clean and unclean, it matters not. But what seems to be a greater plague on America right now is the consistent plague of fear and confusion. People have no clue who to trust. Scripture is clear who the author of confusion is in 1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace as in all churches of the saints.
At this time in scripture people were causing confusion in the churches which was disrupting the confidence people had in the Lord. hello? Sound familiar? They were speaking things that people didn’t understand, it almost sounds like someone was having a liberal press conference. It’s what happens when people don’t read their Bible. The world speaks gibberish and they buy it as truth.
Not knowing the truth will cause panic. But understanding that regardless of how this thing unfolds, our Lord’s got it every bit in control, will bring peace and confidence that we’ll be okay. And if we run out of toilet paper, there’s options. Just saying. It’s not the end of the world. But as for the away team, those who don’t know Christ as their Savior. There is no peace or anyone to have confidence in unless it’s mislead. It pays to be on the Home Team!
Planning for the Game
Everybody has to have a game plan and every team needs a leader. When Moses took off with the millions of Israel, He didn’t have any plan, other than to follow God’s leading. That’s how we have to plan each day now. I’m not a scientist, I can’t search for a cure. But I can practice social distancing, wash my hands, and stay home as much as possible. That’s what my leaders have said to do. I figure if I follow those guidelines, I’ll likely be okay. But what happens if bad things happen?
[29] By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land : which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. [30] By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. [31] By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. [32] And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Moses when through the sea being chased by Pharaoh’s army and the enemy drowned! Joshua went into the Promised land and had battles ahead, but God fought the battle! Rahab risk her life for God’s people, Gideon fought a battle using a pitcher and stick and fooled the army that sought his life. How many battles did David win and how may times did Samuel warn. Glory to God we serve an invisible Savior but His victories are evident!!
Yes! I just wrote myself happy.
We have to strategize for the coming weeks. Plan accordingly as we can, but trust God for everything uncertain! And do not fear. That is Satan’s tool to keep you miserable. Make the most of every day in your home. I’m looking around at a mess right now thinking… I perhaps should spend my time more wisely.
And for those who don’t know Christ. You cannot have hope outside of Him. He is the way to victory regardless of what life brings on us. Please,, ask questions, seek answers, God will provide and if you need help message me! I’d be glad to help you find answers