Fear is a natural part of the human condition. It can serve us well as it alerts us to danger, prompts us toward diligence, and provides some good old-fashioned hustle. But like many things, it can be a double-edged sword. Uncontrolled fear can lead to panic, muddled thinking, and rash, even harmful behavior.
Because fear is a very real human emotion, there are many instances in Scripture that demonstrate God’s lovingkindness through his encouragement. After Abraham pursued Lot’s kidnappers, God appeared to him and said, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you” (Gen. 15:1). As Joshua prepared to enter the promised land, the Lord spoke to him saying three times, “Be strong and courageous!” (Josh 1: 6, 7, 9). Likewise, Jesus offered encouragement to his terrified disciples while they, expert boatmen, were panicking in the midst of a threatening storm (Mark 6:50). Even bold, courageous Paul received some much needed encouragement as he was commissioned to share the gospel in Rome as he had in Jerusalem (Acts 23:11).
God did not provide his encouragement into a vacuum. The circumstances faced by each recipient were scary, dangerous and warranted fear by all natural, human measures. However, each recipient was in relationship with God and walked under his watchful eye.
Believers must focus on the truth that we have a God who is sovereign over all things. This does not mean nothing bad will happen to us. It does not mean we won’t face difficulty, pain, suffering, or even death. It does mean that nothing can happen to us that outside of God’s authority. It does mean our eternal selves safely belong to him… that we will be forever with him… and that we will escape the second death and receive life.
Paul reminds us that God uses all things together for the good of those who love him (Rom 8:28). God has made it clear that he indeed has a plan – one he formed before he laid the foundations of the earth – and nothing will thwart it (Rom 8:29, Eph 1:4). Furthermore, God is incredibly creative. He formed you and I, did he not? God uses all kinds of things to bring about his purposes and works within all kinds of situations.
As we face Covid19 circumstances, many of which we cannot control, let’s remember a few things. (1) God is sovereign. (2) Nothing will thwart the purposes of God. (3) God sometimes uses difficult situations and threatening events to get the attention of man. (4) God hears our prayers when his people humble themselves and pray (1 Chron 7:14). (5) God is love (1 John 4:7). (6) God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4).
I encourage you to join me in praying that God will use the current global situation to bring glory to himself. That the only name by which man may be saved, Jesus Christ, will be lifted up and shared with the entire world. That the gospel will spread faster than Covid19 and the message of salvation will be far more contagious. And that men will respond with an accepting heart and be saved.
I hope this offers you a little encouragement and perhaps inspires you to encourage others. Let us edify one another’s sprit in love. May the Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face to shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance on you, And give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).