For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. | 2 Timothy 1:17
This post is written by Kim Griffith, co-leader of women’s ministry at the church.
A few days ago, I wrote on how our identity as Christians informs our response to COVID-19 and the news, shutdowns and fear surrounding it. Yesterday, I built on that by writing about how the sting of death is removed. Because of this, our lives can be oriented differently than those around us.
If the sting of death is gone for us, we cannot let a spirit of fear overtake us. The coronavirus is not beyond God’s control. Living in fear of what could happen, leaves us looking the same as everyone else, and will not show how God has set us apart:
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16
Yes, practice social distancing, wash your hands, take care of your health – eat your vegetables and exercise, encourage older friends and those with compromised immune systems to stay at home; but also, know that our future is secure, bought by the blood of Jesus! Spend time in prayer asking God for wisdom and guidance as you navigate these difficult times and conversations. Go to God before you go to the news, social media, etc., not because there is anything wrong with them in small doses, but because they will not build up your faith. They will feed the fear, rather than fortify you for this battle- spiritually or physically.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
The constant stream of updates, statistics and horror stories is overwhelming and emotionally draining. By steeping yourself in His Word you will become overflowing in peace and hope. This is true self-care! Make time in your day for even a few minutes of prayer and Bible study. On our own power we are not able to do this, we must ask God for the wisdom and the ability to count this trial as joy.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
A REASON FOR HOPE
in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect | 1 Peter 3:15
This is always true, in good times and bad, but especially when it is culturally acceptable to be complaining – kids are home all day, nobody can get a haircut, those masks are really annoying to wear! We must be conducting ourselves differently; only visible, overflowing examples of hope will cause our unbelieving friends and family to question the source of our optimism.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
Our mission has not changed although the times certainly have! We must fight against the spirit of fear and discouragement that is so easy to fall into, by being in the Word and going to God in prayer. We have the Gospel to offer our fellow citizens in this time of uncertainty, may you be filled up with the confidence and peace that surpasses understanding, and then go out and share it with this hurting, bewildered world any way that you can.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7