How the Church handles fear
Fear is a battle right now. People are scared of what COVID-19 will bring for them and their families. I don’t blame them.
They have to consider the implications of a widespread illness affecting the world.
What we don’t have to do is live in fear. I’m not. I’m encouraging my family not to live in fear. And I want to encourage you to not live in fear.
Why Christian leaders can lead without fear
This is not the first time the world has battled a pandemic. Multiple times throughout history the world has had to push back against sickness and illness. They’ve had to steel themselves against the fear it could bring.
We must do the same today. We cannot give in to fear. We can win this battle.
To do so, we must be confident in what the Word of God says. Below, you will find five verses to help you battle fear in the time of COVID-19.
1. Deuteronomy 31:8 – “He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
God, in His infinite wisdom, gave us His Word. He is still speaking to us today through His Word. One of the best scriptures to hold onto during trying times is Deuteronomy 31:8.
God has been there for you before. He is there for you today. And He will be there for you tomorrow. He will not forsake you or leave you. Stand firm in His promise.
2. 2 Timothy 1:7– “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
I love this verse from the apostle Paul. He reminds us of what we have been given. We have not been given fear.
Claim what God has given us (spirit of power, love and a sound mind) when you begin to fear what is happening around you. You are not weak, you are made strong in Him. You are not fearful, you are confident because of what He has done.
3. Psalm 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
We all get fearful at times. I don’t think we can ever overcome this. However, we need to know where to look when we are afraid.
When you begin to feel afraid because of the COVID-19 virus, feel comfort. David felt fear. When he did, he looked to the One who could take it all away.
God should be the one we look to in turbulent times. He will take away the fear, anxiety and dread of the coming days.
4. Luke 12:25– “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”
A lot has been said of COVID-19 and the impact on our lives. One of those is the possibility of death.
Yikes! That’s scary.
However, we cannot add even an hour to our lives by worrying. God has appointed a time and place for us to all die. Worrying will not extend this date.
Stop worrying. Start trusting.
5. John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
Jesus told his disciples what He will leave them with. He left His disciples with peace. Peace so their hearts wouldn’t be troubled or afraid.
The good news? Jesus also left us with peace. His peace passes all understanding. The peace he leaves us with will get us through the COVID-19 virus. It will get us through the next great health scare as well.
With these verses, we can look to the Bible and God. We can know He is with us and for us. We don’t have to be afraid. We can be confident and bold that God has us in His hands.
Photo source: istock
 | Joseph Lalonde is an award-winning leadership blogger and hosted the Answers From Leadership podcast. He desires to see 20-somethings step into their God-ordained roles as leaders. Previously, on the E3 staff and currently serving in the Catalyst youth ministry of Gateway Church, Joseph has mentored many students and has seen their lives changed through this teaching. His mission is to help equip leaders with the knowledge and information to boost their leadership to the next level. This article was first published on JMLalonde.com. Used with permission Learn More » |
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