Anyone else feel like they’re a cast member in one of those old Sci-Fi movies right now? Empty store shelves, large-scale school closings, and mandated social distancing spaces are just a few of the bizarre things we have found ourselves navigating in the past week.

Word of the Coronavirus has launched many people into a true frenzy and panic.

While I am absolutely an advocate of precautionary measures and steps to ensure safety, I just want to take a minute and help reset our foundational focus.

None of this has caught God by surprise.  Jesus gave us a heads-up a couple thousand years ago that things like this would occur. “You will have suffering in this world…” He told His followers in John 16:33.  (Not might or possibly.  No-no!  You will, it’s a guarantee.)  BUT THEN, Jesus goes on to say, “Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

What a comfort to hear!  Here was God’s perfect Son basically saying, “Things will not always go well here.  It’ll be bad sometimes. You’ll have challenging seasons.” But, in the same breath, He ministered words of hope and comfort – “It’ll be ok.  I’ve got this.” (My personal paraphrase.)

We live in a world, unfortunately, impacted by the effects of sin – sickness, disease, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other catastrophic events will always be a part of our existence here.  It will only be when Jesus returns and institutes a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1) that “death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more…” (vs. 4)  In other words, suffering will be no more.

Remembering that God is sovereign (large and in charge), remains on His holy throne, and has conquered (overcome) the world will strengthen the faintest of hearts in these unusual times and help bring our focus back to Him and not on our circumstances. 

The question for Christ-followers, who are called to “let their light shine” in this fallen, dark, and broken world, is what are we going to do today? 

As Jesus was preparing to die, he made this comment to His 12 disciples, “Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give to you…don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (John 14:27)  Jesus knew their world was about to be rocked following his death.  Confusion would mount.  Panic would set in.  Fear and discouragement would loom large.

Much like today.

But, He left them with peace.  He gave them HIS peace. 

His simple instruction for His followers – then and now – was not to be afraid.  Why?  Because, He gives us HIS peace and has promised to, “…never leave [us] or abandon [us]…[therefore] we can boldly say, ‘The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid…” (Hebrews 13:5 & 6)

Right now, when the world at large is afraid, how can we infuse peace into our surroundings?  How can we minister calm to those we are near?  How can we live out our call to reflect the love of God during seasons like this marked with uncertainty?

May I suggest three life-giving, faith-boosting ways?

*Walk with God personally.  If you do, He promises to strengthen you, help you, and keep you in peace.  (Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 26:3)  And, in doing this dear friend, you are modeling by example the peace that surpasses understanding given by our Heavenly Father.

*Believe His Word.  “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17) One of the quickest ways to build up your faith is to get into His Word.  Read some of those Old Testament stories and remember that the same God who rescued Daniel from the lion’s den and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace is the same God who will rescue us from COVID-19.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever!  (Hebrews 13:8)

*Pray.  “Don’t worry about anything, but…through prayer…present your requests to God…” (Philippians 4:6)  As you do that, He promises His peace will guard your heart and mind (vs. 7).

These are foundational things that will open doors for those around you to see Jesus and strengthen you to bring hope, life, and peace to your little sector of the world that God has you planted in.

Until next time, Grace and Glory (and peace)!