Can It Stop, Please?
If you’re anything like me, you’re pretty ready for any news of the Corona Virus to end…. Not to just stop talking about it, but for it to not be a thing we have to think about anymore.
As humans, we don’t like the discomfort of the unknown or of feeling a lack of control.
We want a solution.
The Pendulum Swing
Some of us rush to every extreme to protect ourselves, living in constant fear & anxiety over what we can’t solve or can’t control.
Others of us want to exude control over the situation by trying to override it or ignore it completely, mocking the very presence of the fear displayed in others.
While both reactions are completely natural—fight or flight—they both lack some very important information:
While we DON’T know, God knows EVERYTHING.
While we have VERY LITTLE control, God holds ALL control.
A Third Response to Fear
So, while human nature either tells us to stock up on toilet paper with a several month supply & act harshly toward anyone we feel might be a threat to us…
OR, while we mock everyone who seems to even care to protect themselves or feel concern over it…
There is a 3rd option that we may be quick to overlook.
Both of the first two reactions involve trusting in ourselves & what we can figure out or control, but the 3rd option invites us to trust something (or rather SomeOne) as our solution in the crisis, instead.
Let’s go over some things God knows & God tells us in His perfect Wisdom that can give us direction & peace & understanding in this pandemic panic culture.
1. God tells us He “hasn’t GIVEN us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, & a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
(Emphasis mine.)
This fact doesn’t mean nothing will ever scare us or that it is a sin to become scared, but rather inviting us to see that because the fear is not from Him, it doesn’t HAVE to be there… as in, if we ask for His help in removing what He has not put there, He WILL help us remove it.
He never makes us to be afraid as part of His will, but rather invites us to lean into Him & trust Him when we are faced with fear.
God is called “a very present help in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) So, call out to Him when fear hits hard.
In fear, it’s easy to panic, but instead, we should ask God for His peace to replace our fear & for help in changing our attitude so we can help create a calmer atmosphere.
2. God calls us to “be wise as serpents but as harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
That means we should be diligent in pursuing wise, cautionary measures to prevent the spread of harmful situations.
Don’t go out in large public areas unless necessary, cough into your inner elbow, wear a mask if you cough, wash hands often, don’t shake hands, etc.
Helping to slow down the spread of the virus allows doctors ample resources & time to treat each person as they happen versus all getting sick at once.
Be wise in helping to flatten the curve in this pandemic.
3. God Calls Us to “be Subject to Every Human Authority for His Sake” (1 Peter 2:13-17)
(Note: Unless that authority commands you to directly disobey God’s Word. Remember Daniel with the lion’s den in Daniel 6 or Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego in Daniel 3? There are other examples, so feel free to share in the comments.)
If you hear word from government authority or CDC to avoid or stop doing certain things or to stop going certain places to help protect others, realize that while you may be in the healthy, young percentage of those most likely to recover just fine, others do have pre-existing conditions or are elderly & more susceptible to risk. Follow authority’s instructions willingly for the sake of those at-risk.
Please be thoughtful of how your actions may affect others with whom you may come in contact.
4. God Calls Us to “Love Others As [Ourselves]” (Mark 12:30-31)
Fear is not an excuse to be unkind to others, but it IS a great time to be extra kind & to ask God how to live this kind of love to others.
People are experiencing inconvenience & fear & loss during this time. Some need help with their kids or pets because they have been quarantined somewhere. Others need help with their kids because they still have to work but schools are shut down. Others have spouses they can’t be with because of travel closures. Some are tired & overworked trying to help put an end to this. Some feel panic because they are one of the at-risk. They could all use some help & encouragement.
Consider these & many more. Be gracious. Be kind. Be patient. Ask how you can help & ask God for help in serving others & knowing when to step in.
NOTE: This also probably means to be careful what Corona Virus memes you post, because some have actually lost loved ones or are at risk themselves.
You wouldn’t make a joke about cancer, so please don’t make a joke out of this.
5. God Tells Us to “Lay All Our Cares on Him for He Cares for Us” (1 Peter 5:7)
He is where our help comes from, so cry out to Him.
Ask for His mercy on the world through this pandemic & to stop this virus.
Ask for His wisdom on how to combat it or how to be wise in the midst of it.
Ask for His peace to quiet the fear that may trickle in or flood your heart during this time.
Ask for His help in being patient with others… in being kind & thoughtful & helpful to others.
Ask for His guidance & courage on how & where & when you can offer help.
6. God Tells Us to Share HOPE with Everyone (Mark 16:15)
This (& EVERY DAY) is a perfect time to let people know that despite anything that may happen to them or to loved ones during this pandemic, they can have eternal hope through Jesus Christ.
God created us. He knew we would spit in His face & rebel & think we know better than Him. He knew we would turn away. He knew we would never be able to undo it by being good enough because our hearts are desperately wicked, looking out for ourselves rather than the honor & glory of God, through trust in Him. He knew we would fail & yet He still created us out of LOVE for us. And better yet, foreordained our redemption story, planning all along to send His very Son, Jesus (perfect, sinless, loving Jesus–God & man in One) to willingly die on our behalf, taking upon Himself EVERY single one of our wrongs & then taking our PENALTY upon Himself to death on a cross (mocked, beaten, spit on, & murdered by those He came to rescue), but then He ROSE AGAIN, VICTORIOUS over sin AND death. Allowing us a clean slate, a fresh start, a REDEMPTION to return cleansed to God our Father through the blood of Jesus. That if we repent of our wrongs, recognizing our fault & our inability to be good enough to save ourselves, asking forgiveness & turning from our sin lifestyle, claiming Jesus as our one & only Savior, that we can be forgiven, washed in grace & allowed into the eternal, loving arms of God when we die, free from fear & pain & worry & hurt, safe & secure & LOVED. And that while on this earth, we are given the HOLY SPIRIT of God to reside in us, guiding us, helping us, loving us, teaching us, comforting us, & strengthening us as we call out to Him for help in living for His honor & glory.
That is the Good News. That is the HOPE. That is the Gospel.
God Is Still King… Lord Over ALL-Trust Him Always in Times of Fear
Share HOPE during this time of so much uncertainty, panic, & lack of control, by reassuring others that they can be sure of the hope of being made right with God in His love, through Jesus’ sacrifice. And then will have access to help, guidance, strength, & comfort from the Holy Spirit.
Don’t let fear rule.
Let God Almighty take that role as rightful King over all & TRUST HIM.
Coming Next Week
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A Note from Michelle:
If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3
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Weekly Special Spotlight:
Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!
Onyx Necklace
Modern hammered brass necklace features 3 genuine onyx drops.
Artisan Information:
The poverty cycle in India continues primarily because of the lack of education. Most schools are not free or affordable. Therefore, many children never learn to read or write & grow up with limited opportunities. However, every purchase of this product empowers women to provide for their children & send them to school! You have the opportunity to end poverty & create an impact for generations to come!
Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!
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