To my fellow believers
The world is watching, waiting for Coronavirus to strike. Are we helpless victims or active participants in our present?
The virus will hit most countries of the world. Thankfully it is not deadly per se, though there are vulnerable groups:
- the elderly and
- the infirm with respiratory issues, cancer, heart or diabetes in particular.
- pregnant women
Otherwise, it is not a threat to civilisation.
It is a threat, however, if we panic!! Because panic attacks society. It attacks the economy (which threatens serious increases in poverty). And it can attack the respiratory system, which is where coronavirus targets.
As we say in the UK, “Keep calm and carry on.” That isn’t easy when panickers surround you. But always we have a choice: give in to our emotions or stand determined to defeat fear.
“Fear not” occurs 150 times in the Bible. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
So, at this time, we are called to be salt and light (perhaps mostly light right now). We can ask people how we can pray for them. And we can model confidence in GOD, who is sovereign and just and loving.
Personally, to the Prime Minister of the UK I say
“Hold fast.”
I pray he doesn’t buckle under pressure. In a secular world, doing as the experts advise seems the best strategy. There are opposing experts of course, just as there are opposition political parties. But the majority voted Boris Johnson to be in charge, and we trust GOD has given us the leader for such a time as this…. to do the job of coordinating in the natural, the effort to overcome this virus.
So, let’s pray
… For us to overcome fear, for others to receive prayer and experience the grace of Jehovah, and for the leaders in the nation, beginning with our Prime Minister and our Queen, that wisdom and leadership would lead this nation to a sincere humility, a greater fellowship with one another, and a deepening relationship with Yehovah, the Creator of the Universe.
Amen.
5 replies on “Coronavirus: have no fear”
Thank you Sarah and “Amen” to all that you have written.
For Truly “God has NOT given us(believers) a spirit of fear, but a Spirit of Love, Confidence, Strength and a sound mind” (2Timothy chapter 1.)
Also, perhaps more importantly, the “PERFECT LOVE OF GOD casts out ALL fear.” As you rightly say, when we seek, find and enjoy greater SPIRITUAL intimacy with God-through-Christ, inevitably we’ll be drawn deeper into the vast Ocean of His Infinite Love.
Shalom/God bless+++
Bryan, Thank you for writing. Amen to your emphasis: “Perfect love casts out all fear!”
GOD is a God of infinite love, if only we take time to abide with him (John 14-15).
I think Coronavirus is an opportunity to refocus: on GOD, on family, on what is truly important – relationship.
Further, I see you are not a subscriber, Bryan. If you’d like to subscribe, you’ll find the form on the right. Every blessing!
It is always good to receive your Emails Sarah. My daughter Helen, is often saying to me “Are you all right?” I think she means in my mind. Well, I am able to have peace in the midst of all this – Peace from God. I was 40 when I first met with Him, and at the age of 83 I am in a good position to compare life with and without Him I write a daily devotional in Facebook, hopefully encouraging people to connect with God if they are not already. I say – “God is only a thought away” and tell them to open a conversation with Him. My daughter and grandson are presently “under house arrest” while my son in law, a postman, comes home from work, has a shower and puts all his clothes in the washing machine.
ATTIMES LIKE THIS I go to the following for reassurance: Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you…….be not dismayed, for I am your God….. I will strengthen you……yes, I will help you…… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Amen. We pray for all those who are in public service for us. Every blessing and covering for them. In Yeshua’s name!