Adapted from a message from the Fringe March 14, 2020
I think it would not be over-dramatic to say we are living in unprecedented and historic times. We are living in a time our grandchildren will learn about in history classes, should the Lord tarry.
We are seeing the world around us change in ways never imagined in our age of freedom and plenty - quarantines, travel restrictions, shelter at home orders, financial collapse of the world's economies and, of course, the ever present threat of infection.
As believers in Christ, how do we respond to this kind of turmoil? Some are declaring this pandemic to be the end of the world, others are ignorantly claiming some kind of supernatural protection for followers of Christ. Most, however, are merely trying to understand how Covid 19 will continue to affect their lives.
As a nation and a world, we have faced unprecedented tragedies in the past. World War I cost millions of lives. Hundreds of years before WWI, the Black Plague wiped out almost 60% of Europe. God did not allow the us to go extinct, despite Satan's best efforts. God's word holds promises and if you study scripture, you will see, this is not the end of the world, nor will it be the end of mankind
DO NOT PANIC
Right now, it is important to not panic. Though Chaos may be all around us, God is in Control. The Bible talks to us about fear:
Isaiah 41:10 - So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus
So, we see a passage from the Old Testament and a passage from the New Testament, telling us not to fear nor to be anxious, but to trust God for peace and security. On the testimony of two witnesses, a matter is established and we find here, the testimony of both the old covenant and the new covenant. And, also, we have the very words of Jesus:
Matthew 10:29-31 - are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
God fully knows what we need. We do not have the luxury of seeing the future, we can only see now. The past is closed to us, sealed, unalterable. The future is invisible and unknowable. We are relegated to the immediate. God, on the other hand is in tomorrow, and next week and next month and next year. In fact, God is already in the last day of this creation. So, who are we going to trust? ourselves, the news man - who may or may not have an agenda, the politicians - whose main goal is gaining or retaining office?
This is the time, if there ever was one, for believers to crawl into God's pocket and to seek Him diligently. Throw off anything hindering your relationship with God.
Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
What in your life is keeping you from fully surrendering to God? Is it pride, a pet sin, a self sufficient attitude, or even a sense of unworthiness? Whatever it may be, today is the day, now is the time, to cast off the weight and come home to your Father who loves you.
At the same time, we cannot sit back and do nothing, simply expecting everything to work out for us. I have seen some very irresponsible people on social media, saying stupid things like, "As long as you trust Jesus, you can't get the virus." Guess what, God's people get sick and God's people die, just like everyone else.
Be smart, limit your exposure, follow the protocols, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer. Take common sense precautions. Don't take stupid unnecessary risks, but at the same time, be open to the leading of God.
In the book of I Kings 17:7-15 we find a very encouraging and applicable account of God's leading during a national crisis. I encourage you to take the time to read through the passage and see what God speaks to your heart. The full message this post is adapted from can be found here:
I must confess, I do not know what tomorrow holds concerning this virus, but God does. I do not know what God has planned for you and your life, but God does.
Are you ready to cast off all things hindering you from hearing the voice of God? Are you ready to trust and obey?
We are truly living in historic times. We are living in an unprecedented time, fraught with speculation, misinformation and agenda driven manipulation. Fear not, for God is with you.
The real question you have to ask yourself is, do you trust God? After 9/11, churches filled up and unfortunately the rise in attendance lasted only a few short weeks. People went back to life as normal. Did business driven churches see dollar signs instead of souls and fail those who came seeking answers? Possibly to some degree, but also, the crisis ended quickly and life resumed normalcy, consequently, the sense of needing God's protection diminished.
Please, whether this crisis continues, slowly ends or somehow life returns to normal, do no let go of the sense of urgency you feel right now. We often run to God when we perceive danger, do not drift away from God after the sense of danger passes.
If you are a follower of Christ, you do not have cause for fear because you serve a God who transcends time, not just the past, the future as well. Place your feet where He leads, love one another, be kind and helpful to those who are terrified.
This is a grand opportunity for God's people to step up and live out our faith, serving and comforting those who are afraid or in need. Your may find your words have little affect in comforting others, but, your actions, your remaining calm, your kindness and generosity, these things will speak volumes.
This crisis may be an opportunity to forge new relationships and a way we can show how true love is action which expects nothing in return. Listen to God, do not get caught up in emotionalism
Do you trust God today, believer? Then do what He says. Show others the hope you have in Christ.
Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!!
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