Friday, March 13, 2020

Facing Covid-19 - The Corona Virus With Fear or Faith


And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!’” — Luke 8:24-25

I have been watching the response of world to the Corona virus.  It caused me to realize just how fragile our sense of safety and well-being really is. Shelves in grocery stores are emptying out. Ben Franklin said, “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” I get that. But like the disciples in the boat – having done all they, as expert boatmen, knew how to do, were convinced that all was lost. The storm was just too great – they were convinced that they were going to die. The stock market is in a nose dive, professional and college sports events, cancelled. Schools closing. Theme parks like Disney World, closing. Airlines, Cruise ships, those activities that are discretionary – reflective of our affluence – being severely affected by the threat of this pandemic. Any assemblies of more than 250 people are discouraged.  Worship gatherings suspended. The world’s response reveals just how fearful people are and how fragile our lives are.

Friends, it is time for the light of the Church to shine. We need to encourage people to replace their fear with faith. When all of the natural solutions seem to fail them, that “the Master of the seas” is sovereign – He is in control. This is not really about a virus – it is about who or what we trust in.

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:5-7

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

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