Don't be afraid, trust in God's protection
In his first inaugural address on March 4, 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt reached out to a nation enveloped in the throes of the Great Depression with these words: “ … let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
As President Roosevelt spoke to our nation in 1933, I am persuaded that God is speaking to our nation and His people today. As we wrestle with the social, political and economic uncertainly unleashed by the coronavirus pandemic, let us not fear. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7).
God's people are to believe and rest in the blessed assurance, power and love of His word. When this is done, our minds and emotions will not fall prey to fleshly fear, but will be made “sound” in the assurance, power and love of Almighty God.
While it is prudent for us to be concerned with the immediate and future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, God's people are not to succumb to fear and uncertainty. His word teaches that those who trust God and rest in His refuge and fortress will be delivered from the perilous or deadly pestilence.
They are not to be afraid (of) the terror by night … or by the pestilence that walketh in darkness. (Psalm 91:2-3; 5,6). Is this portion of God's word teaching that none of His people will be infected or die from COVID-19? The answer to this question is “No.”
What we are being told is that we are to continue to boldly share the word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ with increased fervor and without fear, trusting solely in God's purpose and protection.
The present pandemic could very well be a harbinger (sign) from God to our nation and His Church to return to Him. Listen to His promise: “If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)
In the midst of this all, let us not succumb to the spirit of anxiety and fear.
Instead, may our nation and God's people go forth with a renewed faith and assurance grounded solidly in the love, power and absolute sovereignty of the one true, living and Almighty God.
To Him be all praise and glory. May the love of God be with you all.
Pastor Larry Thompson is an ordained minister and member of First Baptist Church of Butler.
