You have a lot to do today and a lot to think about, so I’ll keep this one short.
Not one of us is unaffected by the current virus concerns. Whether your kids are being kept home from school or your business is being shut down or your church is limiting activity, every one of us is being forced to grapple with this crisis. As believers, we know that we are not supposed to live in fear. We know it and we say it, but sometimes we don’t recognize when fear is in the driver’s seat in our own lives.
One of my prayers for myself, and for the Church, is that I will recognize and wrestle with the reality of my own fear, in whatever way it presents itself. Fear is a natural reaction to danger. God gave it to us and it is a good thing as long as it is protective and not destructive. The question that I need to ask myself is, “Am I letting fear steal my peace and destroy my joy?” So far, I don’t think that I have, but I am not the best judge of that. Sometimes I might need someone else to point it out. You might as well. I am praying that I have the humility to receive any needed correction so that I can redirect my fear to faith.
With that in mind, I want to offer you a few thoughts on some differences between fear and faith.
FAITH acknowledges reality. FEAR amplifies reality.
FAITH moves forward. FEAR freezes.
FAITH looks up with confidence. FEAR looks around with suspicion.
FAITH wins in the end. FEAR is always losing.
Keep your faith, my friend. Don’t lose it to fear. Take whatever precautions you need to, but make every effort to recognize when fear is trying to take the wheel. We will get through this, together and with God.
Here’s a favorite verse of mine that is applicable in so many situations, including this one.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT
