|
|
Proverbs 22:19
I am teaching you today—yes, you— so you will trust in the Lord. |
I decided to write my thoughts down as I continue to process the onslaught of information surrounding the CoronaVirus. Like most every else, fear began to creep into my soul. Where are the most recent outbreaks? How many have died? What is the mortality rate? These are just a few of the questions that began running through my mind.
I was quickly reminded of a time from only a few years ago, when I had to make a decision whether or not to board my flight home in the height of the Ebola Outbreak. I was returning from California, and, of all places, I had a layover in Dallas where, at the time, there were two confirmed cases. I remember fear beginning to settle in. A casual thought quickly became a racing mind. “Do I stay?” “Do I go?” I just so happened, if you want to call it a coincidence, to see a friend’s post on social media that day of Psalm 91.
Psalm 91:1-7 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.
It was exactly the TRUTH I needed to hear. I prayed about it, and within a few minutes the fear began to flee, and peace began to once again settle in its place. I decided to fly home, and I’ll never forget the flight that day. It was the first time in my life I can recall visibly being able to see the fear on people’s faces. You could almost cut the tension with a knife. There was hand sanitizer on nearly every counter, and everyone was wearing masks. They huddled around the TV, and even the smallest cough sent them scattering like flies. It was at that moment I realized the “enemy” doesn’t have to attack us to kill us; he only needs to scare us, and we will kill ourselves. I traveled home in remarkable peace that day despite the chaos around me. My victory over Ebola was won before I even arrived at the airport!
Today, I am faced with another virus and another fear. But He reminds me once again of His promise! His faithfulness! And His protection! Oddly enough corona means “crown”. I couldn’t help but think of the irony in it all. Even the virus itself says to look to The King! Rest assured, there is already a vaccine and His name is Jesus! I know this to be true, but even as I type it I can hear the whisper of fear in the back of my mind: “now you are certain to catch it.” But perhaps that’s all of our opportunities as believers in Christ to say like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego... “The God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from [the CoronaVirus]. But even if he doesn’t, we want you to know...” we will not bow to fear. (Daniel 3:17-18).
Father, Thank you for being our Healer, Provider, Comforter and Peace. Thank you for being greater than any virus, disease, illness, and even death! We trust you! We love you! We thank you in advance for the overwhelming victory through your Son, Jesus Christ. It's in His mighty name we pray, amen.
I was quickly reminded of a time from only a few years ago, when I had to make a decision whether or not to board my flight home in the height of the Ebola Outbreak. I was returning from California, and, of all places, I had a layover in Dallas where, at the time, there were two confirmed cases. I remember fear beginning to settle in. A casual thought quickly became a racing mind. “Do I stay?” “Do I go?” I just so happened, if you want to call it a coincidence, to see a friend’s post on social media that day of Psalm 91.
Psalm 91:1-7 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.
It was exactly the TRUTH I needed to hear. I prayed about it, and within a few minutes the fear began to flee, and peace began to once again settle in its place. I decided to fly home, and I’ll never forget the flight that day. It was the first time in my life I can recall visibly being able to see the fear on people’s faces. You could almost cut the tension with a knife. There was hand sanitizer on nearly every counter, and everyone was wearing masks. They huddled around the TV, and even the smallest cough sent them scattering like flies. It was at that moment I realized the “enemy” doesn’t have to attack us to kill us; he only needs to scare us, and we will kill ourselves. I traveled home in remarkable peace that day despite the chaos around me. My victory over Ebola was won before I even arrived at the airport!
Today, I am faced with another virus and another fear. But He reminds me once again of His promise! His faithfulness! And His protection! Oddly enough corona means “crown”. I couldn’t help but think of the irony in it all. Even the virus itself says to look to The King! Rest assured, there is already a vaccine and His name is Jesus! I know this to be true, but even as I type it I can hear the whisper of fear in the back of my mind: “now you are certain to catch it.” But perhaps that’s all of our opportunities as believers in Christ to say like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego... “The God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from [the CoronaVirus]. But even if he doesn’t, we want you to know...” we will not bow to fear. (Daniel 3:17-18).
Father, Thank you for being our Healer, Provider, Comforter and Peace. Thank you for being greater than any virus, disease, illness, and even death! We trust you! We love you! We thank you in advance for the overwhelming victory through your Son, Jesus Christ. It's in His mighty name we pray, amen.
SHARE THIS DEVOTION