10/19/2020
Fearing for our lives, this is an appropriate topic for discussion in this time of pandemic. Although it is good to do the things that will lessen our probability of catching the virus, like wearing a mask, washing our hands, and maintaining a good social distance from one another, it is even more appropriate that we not panic in the face of it. This is a terrible virus, but what is more horrific is losing our hope, and giving in to fear as our illness runs its course. God is with us, and for us, but our fear can work against us to thwart our faith.
“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
Matthew 6:27 ESV
When we contract this virus we will most certainly suffer. I have five members of my family who either currently have, or have suffered through Coronavirus. Their symptoms have varied with this sickness, and I think, as a family, we have seen most of them over the past few weeks. My grandchildren have had anywhere from asymptomatic to mild cases whereas my spouse, child, and son in law have had more severe cases that include fever, nausea, vomiting, breathing issues, and severe body pain. As a caregiver it is hard to bear the sight of your loved ones as they endure their suffering... there is so little medically that one can do to help them, so rather than turning to fear and hopelessness, we seek a divine solution; we turn to God in prayer, and lean heavily on our faith in Jesus Christ.
“I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.”
Psalm 30:1-2 ESV
In the midst of this pandemic our foe is more than simply the virus that ravages our bodies, it is the fear, and hopelessness, that are fed by suffering, or witnessing suffering, over such a long and painful ordeal. Whether I’ll, or giving care for those who are sick, Satan uses this opportunity to bring fear, and hopelessness to a fever pitch within us, and when he is successful in this the real suffering begins... it is a spiritual sickness that will cost us more than our life, but will doom our souls to an eternal faithlessness, by separating us from God as we lose trust and hope in Him. It is the loss of heaven. So, in this time when Satan binds us with the chains of the Coronavirus, do not lose hope, and do not fear the loss of life, for Jesus has conquered death, and if we do not deny this truth then there is more than hope, and reassurance... there is eternity, and the love of God.
“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.”
2 Timothy 2:8-13 ESV
Today you may be deathly ill, or tending to someone who is, but do not fear, and lean with all your faith on the hope which abides in us... Jesus Christ.
“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.”
Psalm 18:1-3 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your presence, and for being with me always. Thank you Lord for your rescue, and salvation in times of my greatest hardship, and suffering. Thank you Merciful Father for the promise that you will bring an end to my suffering, and for bolstering my faith as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Nothing can come upon us that you don’t allow it, and this virus that is now loose in the world, though not of you, will be defeated by you in the name of Jesus. I pray that you strengthen me as I resist the fear and hopelessness that the dark one tempts me with as I face this foe. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who holds my hand as I suffer, and dries the tears that I have wept while enduring the pain of the world. Praised be your name Lord for giving me the wonder of faith, and my trust in you. Praised be the name of your Son Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of your love for me. Great are you, Lord God, and great your Son Jesus! My hand remains firm as it grasps yours, and emboldened by faith as I place it in the side of Christ! Hear my prayers Father, and have mercy on me as I resist the assault on my soul by Satan, and this virus. Heal my body, then wash it clean with the blood, and living water of Jesus. See me worthy through Him, and seat me, in all my joy, at your table forevermore.
“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise. Behold, they say to me, “Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come!” I have not run away from being your shepherd, nor have I desired the day of sickness. You know what came out of my lips; it was before your face.”
Jeremiah 17:14-16 ESV
Rich Forbes