COVID 19 FAITH

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an emotional toll on our nation. The people have fear, anxiety, anger, depression, disbelief, lost hope, and some people do not believe God even exist because of Him allowing this pandemic to happen.   People are asking where is God during this time of pandemic?  God’s mercy will allow trials for individuals and our nation to get our attention to draw us closer to Him.   God has a plan and purpose for our lives, and we must let go of the fear and trust God’s plan for us.

As a military family, it was very difficult at times not knowing the unknown when your military member was deployed.  The military member would leave their families on short notice and be deployed for several weeks without us knowing where they deployed or when they would return home.  We did not have cell phones or email back in the day during the Vietnam war which was difficult for family members not knowing if the military member was alive or dead. Thus, we had to learn to trust in God and have faith in Him.   

In the Bible it expresses, that His people (Gods), to not worry or have fear!  We are to be brave and courageous. In a word, have “faith” in Him.,

Now that can be difficult to do when we as humans do not trust or believe in God’s word or even understand it, not that everyone knows all!   

Hebrews 11:1 expresses: that ‘Faith’ is having the fortitude of things hoped for and believing in things not seen that whatever it is can and will happen in a safe and practical mode. (Paraphrased)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says we must ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, Give thanks in all Circumstances’ (Paraphrased)    

COVID 19 has tested one’s faith to the extreme! It is because people have fear of the unknown and that people are worrying. I have even heard people say, “it is not fair.”  Life is not fair and God did not proclaim life to be fair, He (God) expressed only that it is ‘just.’ 

Man is justified, that is “declared righteous” apart from doing what the law requires. Thus, salvation is through faith alone. No matter what we do, we cannot earn our salvation. God alone saves, and His salvation is a free gift. No one can stand before God and boast of their deeds. God is the only One who is righteous and for this reason He should be praised.

God said Christians should be practical, prayerful, and proclaim Christ’s peace in an atmosphere of fear. It is through prayer and trust that one can have peace of mind since, God is bigger than any pandemic and Jesus does not want us to be afraid. During these perilous times, in our nation and the world, we must remember to have faith and wisdom!  Where, wisdom is the ability to see life from God’s vantage point. We do not want to be controlled by fear, perfect love cast out all fear. 1 John 4:18 stats “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out all fear.” Thus, perfect love is God’s Love!  Remember, God is with us at all times.

We should remember to let faith rule our hearts and not fear by praying through our fears. Don’t let fear steal your faith! Thus, do not be fearful of COVID-19 but have respect for what it can or cannot do by using your God given wisdom in any and all situations. Deuteronomy 31:6 expresses that “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” 

Faith will help us overcome, fear if and when, we become confident in God and His word. If we become more confident in God’s promises then, we get closer to being transformed into a renewal individual.  We will no longer have doubt and fear when see things differently and circumstances in a whole new light by trusting God.  We must turn back to God by praying, studying His word for guidance and comfort.  God’s word provides wisdom and helps us to understand God.   We must remember, God is in control of all things and when we acknowledge Him and believe in Him, we can all rise above all battles we face including the pandemic. 

We should remember to let faith rule our hearts and not fear.  We must pray through our fears.  Always remember, don’t let fear steal your faith.