“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” (Proverbs 15:23) Now’s a good time time to look at Jesus’ “fitting reply” to us “at the right time.” For believers under God’s protection, sometimes it’s difficult to sail through peaceful waters while everyone else is reeling in the fear of a bad report or projections of gloom. Right now we’re in one of those seasons with the threat of COVID-19.
I know what you’re going through! You don’t want to frantically run to the store to buy toilet paper (It fails me how toilet paper will save our lives!), but you can’t help but think, “I’m not afraid, but the way everyone else is going crazy over toilet paper, I might not be able to get it for the next six months.” To me, the thoughts of that can be scarier than a plague. But here we go, caught up in emergency purchasing. We watch people give a huge sigh of relief as if they’re thinking, “I got my two packs of toilet paper…we’ll be safe now.” Fortunately or unfortunately, we will all be stocked up for a year! It’s just good that toilet paper doesn’t have an expiration date…or does it?
I’m sorry if I’m coming across a little trite, but I can’t seem to see past all the politicizing of the event. It’s hard to know what we’re really up against. One can’t even watch an innocent NFL game without getting lectured on politics…let alone news of a pandemic. Also, I’ve pastored through Y2K, ebola, SARS, MERS, and CARS (Nearly 1,250,000 people die each year globally). I’ve heard the sky is falling far too many times. Still, I want you to know that I think that each of these events needs to be taken seriously, but not fearfully. Some estimate that 40-70% of the global population could get ill from COVID-19. How do we face news like that? Following basic rules for avoiding infection are wise to always follow.
That being said, I’d like to talk about how Jesus taught us to face threatening events. I know this blog could get lengthy, but take the time to read the following words from Jesus, “For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?…which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’s span?…Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:25-34).
Jesus lets us know that we have the privilege to live fearlessly. He instructs us to not be anxious because we have an all-powerful, all-willing, all-loving God who watches over us and takes care of us. Our modern Darwinian mindsets of being random, unintended, mindless, spontaneous mutations without eternal purpose or destiny alienate us from the loving and powerful connection that God desires to have with us. The simple message that God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins births in us a conviction that our God would never let us down. Any God who would go to such lengths to be in relationship with us need do nothing more to prove His fatherly love, protection and provision for us.
Next, Jesus reminds us that worrying never lengthened a man’s life. How practical is that? Worry and fear is merely wasted energy. Fear is perverted faith…it believes the power of our adversaries is stronger than the power of God. Pure faith believes that the power of God is greater than the power of any adversary or disease. Choose faith in God!
Jesus then tells us that the life that prioritizes God…in choices, words, time, wealth, affection and works will discover that God will take care of everything else. To be in the center of God’s will is the safest place to be. If we’re not there, we need to get there!
Finally, Jesus said to only deal with today’s challenges. Of courses He’s not condemning planning…we can plan for tomorrow, but carry only today’s weight. Do life just one bite at a time. Jesus lived His life knowing that it would end with crucifixion. Can you imagine that? Yet, it says that He was anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows. Jesus had more joy than others. How did he do it? He didn’t “sweat it” (great sweat drops of blood) until the actually moment came. Then He faced His challenge. Remember, grace (God’s strength to endure) doesn’t show up until we need it. If you look at tomorrow’s problems without tomorrow’s grace, it will take you out. Know for sure though, that when the trial comes, grace will be there to strengthen you.
Here’s a Bible promise about God, “He will not fail you or forsake you” (Deut. 31:6). What more do we need? What more can we ask? Fearless living is a choice. It is a choice to believe the promises of God and to quiet fearful imaginations and threatening predictions. It decides to take every fearful thought captive and determines to say, “I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’ (Psalm 91:2).
God bless you. Pray without ceasing. Love God, love people. Show kindness.
Pastor Jim