Last month I introduced a new series about unlikely people that God chooses to use. For April I am going deviate from that series to address the fear that is gripping our world. I want you to realize I am not a final authority on virus’s, financial markets or anything for that matter. I do have a personal relationship with God through His son Jesus Christ. Through that relationship I have learned a great deal from His word, our Bible, regarding fear and how His children are directed to deal with it.

In the last thirty days the Corona Virus has migrated from Wuhan China and infected every nation on the face of the earth. Bringing financial crises on a level not seen in America since the Great Depression. There is panic, fear and delusion touching every home around me. Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not taking this virus or the residual effects of it for granted. I accept it for what it is a devastating sickness that has killed untold numbers around the world and can continue.

I want to offer you peace of mind during the chaos that grips our lives today. The phrase “fear not” is mentioned 62 times in the King James Bible. One of the most encouraging verses containing this phrase is Daniel 10:19 KJV “And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.” Daniel has a testimony that will touch the heart of anyone willing to read and study his life and Gods work through it. In the face of great adversity God said, “fear not.” With those words come the consolation of peace. God does not simply give us words He also gives us peace during adversity. I do not believe anyone would argue that we are not facing adversity today. The people of God have in front of them fortress of peace that passes all understanding. I do not know what the future holds for me, but I assure you I have peace knowing God is in control of the Corona Virus, the stock market, banks, interest rates, gas prices and supply lines. I know God is in control of my life.

From this peace we are encouraged to be strong. Let’s think about being strong! Being strong requires us to rely on wisdom and there is no greater wisdom than God. I realize there are amazing men and women in science, medicine and even government. But they do not hold a candle to God. Our strength must come from Him if we are to move forward with confidence. Being strong also requires us to be prepared for the battle that is in front of us. We are told by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6 to put on the whole armor of God! The fear that grips the world around us comes from the evil of Satan. This armor is prayerfully applied and faithfully used. I am a firm believer that when we stand before the Lord our armor will either be polished and well protected, or battle scared and

well mended. I believe God want us to use the armor He has issued us to do battle and stand strong. Not against each other but against our common enemy, the devil. So, let’s find strength through prayer and faith to trust God through the days ahead. I know its easy to say I will but much more difficult to live it out. But, we have each other for encouragement and help and love.

Notice next what I think is the most important thing Daniel said about strength. It came from the word of the Lord. The strength Daniel found wasn’t within his body, it was from his God. The word. We have strength waiting for us in the pages of our Bible. Some of us may not be able to meet with our church family but we can meet with our God through His word. From Gods word we find strength to get us through family crisis, financial crisis, medical crisis and any personal crisis’. For a little while every day turn off the news and shutdown Facebook then pick up your Bible.

Gods people can get through this and any of the residual fall out that comes from it if we find strength from Gods word. We must also share that strength with those around us. I notice people with expressions of fear and delusion. When I do, I try to offer them words of love and encouragement from the grace of Gods word. We are the salt and the light. Let’s not lose our savor or be extinguished because of fear. There are many seeking the answer’s that you and I have through a saving relationship with Jesus. Let’s remember the words of God, “fear not.”

Until we meet again in person or in print, may God richly bless you is my prayer!

Terry provides pastoral services to McDowell Missions Ministries

Contact Terry by email at [email protected]