Wow it has been a good minute since I've last posted. I have much on my mind today and I need to get these words off my chest. I hope this will encourage someone who needs it.
On February 2nd, I attended a concert with my friends. Everything was relatively normal that day, clusters of people waiting and talking, standing in line for merch, giving away free fan made merchandise. However, what was not normal was that this particular cluster of people (majority girls) were wearing masks and staff was giving masks to people who did not have one. People in hazmats suits were walking around disinfecting the place. When it was time to enter the auditorium each person was given a squirt of hand sanitizer. My friends and I along with the rest of the fans enjoyed the concert wearing a mask. I had hoped it would be the first and last time I would see that apocalyptic scene but I don’t think it will be.
The following day I went to work and my bosses raised an eyebrow at my mask-less face and slightly scolded me. “Christina, do you have a mask? Why aren’t you wearing a mask?” “I live across the street.” I had replied to my boss’s dismay. My boss shook her head at my response and said “Even so, wear a mask outside. The situation is very serious.”
Only 11 people at that time were infected with the Coronavirus.
Staring into the face of a global pandemic has led me to ask myself, how should I, as a Christian and follower of Christ, respond? How should I go about my daily life?
Now as I write this, 204 people are infected in South Korea and one person has died. However, do you wish to know what is more contagious than this virus? I’m gonna let you guess. It’s four letters, starts with an f and ends with an r.
……
…..
….
FEAR.
I admit, as someone who thinks she is dying literally every time she gets sick and gets anxious over small simple things like ordering food, my bosses’ worries amplified my fear and for several days I worried, fretted and was fearful. Those few days of being fearful and giving in to everyone’s paranoia took away my joy. Not again.
Fear is a spirit not of God. If it’s not from God I want nothing to do with it. Giving in to the fear is admitting your doubt that God is sovereign over all. (And this is more of a reminder for myself as it is for everyone else.)
Let me repeat that.
Fear is a spirit not of God. Giving in to this spirit of fear shows doubt in God’s sovereignty.
Here is what the Bible says about anxiety and worry:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)
Friends and family, we are not promised another day, coronavirus or no coronavirus. If today were your last day would you want to spend it worrying and fretting? The Bible tells us “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
What is true?
God promised us and calls for us to “be strong and courageous , do not be afraid, for I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
As we stare a scary unknown extremely contagious virus in the face, we are reminded that our walk with Christ is not all rainbows and sunshine. There is rain and trials. However, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 reminds us “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”
What does, ‘so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies’ mean? I’d like to think it means that during a time of a global crisis that we Christians remain a light and Godly influence to others, that we stand strong in our faith and love and show compassion for others because the Holy Spirit lives within us.
So, my friends and family, let’s not be fearful but prayerfully concerned. Let’s not be paranoid and fretful, instead let’s pray. Let’s pray for those in China and Wuhan, let’s pray for those on Princess Diamond, let’s pray for the infected worldwide and the families of the members who died. Also, let’s give praise for the ones who have recovered. Let’s pray to the One who is the Great Physician, Comforter, Healer and Provider.
As I was doing my devotions this morning, Psalms 107 really spoke to me. This verse “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble and he delivered them from their distress” is mentioned 4 times, which means this is pretty important. God will not leave us or forsake us, he will deliver us from our distress when we cry out to Him. Let’s pray that China , the church cult cluster here in South Korea and the people around the world who have not accepted Christ to call on Him in this time of distress. Let’s pray that this terrible affliction will somehow be used to bring God glory.
This is what I hope you take away from this long ramble of thoughts:
1. Fear is a spirit not of God, don’t give into it.
2. We as Christians should stand strong in our faith, and love others.
3. Let us pray that God will heal, comfort, and provide.
4. No matter what happens, God is Good and He is Sovereign.
So how should we live amongst a pandemic? By ensuring that everyday through our actions and words that we bring glory to God. I am doing what I can to ensure I don’t get sick - wearing a mask, washing my hands A LOT, not touching my face, not sharing food with others, washing my clothes more than usual, showering as soon as I arrive home, taking vitamins but ultimately everything else is in God’s hands.
I refuse to let fear of the unknown steal my God-given joy. I hope you feel the same.
Stay safe, friends and family.
~~It is well with my soul.
