Choose faith over fear

A virus sweeping its way around the globe? A few weeks ago could we have imagined what was coming, along with its many impacts? Do we have any idea of what is ahead? It can be unsettling… until we turn our eyes back to God. Then it becomes very encouraging.

He is sovereign and in control of all. His Word is full of promises to His believers. We can have peace, hope, and even joy – in the midst of all this!

I don’t mean to minimize the suffering, grief, and loss that will in some way touch each of us in the coming curve, if enough people don’t heed the serious warnings. Some of my loved ones are most certainly in the elderly and vulnerable categories. Some of them are in the frontline serving others. Some have been in public places and have been exposed without knowing. And this causes great concern.

But we can’t live in fear about what will happen, watching the news, tuning in to social media for the latest numbers and the nearest confirmed cases, all day long. Fear and anxiety come from trying to project the future with what we see now. But we don’t see what God sees. His thoughts and ways are so high above ours (Is. 55: 8-9). His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path (Ps. 119:105). He is all powerful. He can take even the worst evil and turn it to good (Gen. 50:20), so this situation is certainly in Good Hands.

Faith and fear cannot coexist. I choose faith. I choose to dwell in the shelter of the Most High, to rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Ps. 90:1-2)

There is no God before Him. We don’t trust in chariots or horses, we trust in the Lord our God (Ps. 20:7). We don’t trust in our finances, our material goods, our entertainment, our sports, our jobs – all of that is in the background now, stripped away… but now we can see what is truly important. Our daily agendas have drastically changed.

These times have come so that our faith, which is of greater worth than gold, can be tested, refined, and proved genuine, so that Jesus can be glorified (1 Pet. 1:7).

Now is the time to set apart Christ as Lord and to be prepared to give an answer for our hope—even in the midst of a pandemic (1 Pet. 3:15). Now is the time to be self-controlled and in prayer. We cast all our anxieties on Him because He loves us (1 Pet. 5:7).

Now is the time to be imitators of Christ, to love as He does. This is the message we have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Dear friends, let us not love not only with words, but with actions and in truth (1 Jn. 3:11, 18).

There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear (1 Jn. 4:18).

I am greatly encouraged when I see the love, the good things, coming out of our present situation: Help is offered in the way of picking up supplies for the elderly and shut-ins, free food is offered for those who need it, babysitting pools are arranged and constructive ideas are shared for kids home from school, healthcare workers are appreciated, grocers and truck drivers are hailed for keeping shelves stocked, family time is enriched, churches are opening their facilities to serve in other ways, people are meeting together online and keeping their Bible studies and ministries going. I could go on and on…

God’s Word tells us not to fear, not to be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we should present our requests to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Finally, my friends, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—whatever is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things (Phil. 4:8). Watch for it! There is so much love around, so much good going on, despite the present uncertainty.

There are so many ways of seeing God in our present day.



Father God, I pray that eyes will be opened and hearts will be turned to You. I pray for unity, strength, health, wisdom, and perseverance, especially for those in the frontlines dealing with sick, elderly and vulnerable. I pray for Your peace that passes all understanding even in these uncertain times. Thank You that you can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20). Thank You for Your Presence.