Good morning,
The gift of God’s protection
What began as a problem in far away China has now become a source of panic all around the world. In just a matter of a few months the whole world now has learned a new word, coronavirus. The bug is deadly, still uncontrolled, and can attack anyone from childhood to aged grandparents. It is turning our countries up side down. The world as a whole has no idea where this has come from and why this is happening. The Bible tells us over and over again that these kind of things comes from the God of the universe who is angry with the people who have turned against him. The Bible also tells us that he is aware of those people who love and trust him. When Joshua faced a vast number of hateful people, God told him, So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”(Deu.31:6) When the prophet Isaiah was overwhelmed during his ministry the Lord told him, Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.(Isa.41:10)
When God takes action against his enemies, that doesn’t mean that his children will find life safe and easy. God also told Isaiah, When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.(Isa.43:2) These verses have been very special to me over the years when I have found myself overwhelmed and facing situations that are all out of my control. Another verse that the Lord keeps reminding me of is, Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.(Psa.138:7) None of these verses tell us that we will kept alive here. For those us who are God’s kids, he may call us home, but then our troubles will be behind us and our eternal life will be eternally ours to enjoy.
There are three verses that have been very special to me over the years. The first two are, Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.(Pro.3:5,6) Our Enemy does his best to fill our minds and hearts with his lies and his threats that fill me with darkness and fear. What God wants us to do is to turn to him in earnest, and wait for him to show me his plan for this situation. The other verse that helps me to keep my footing is, For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.(2Tim.1:7) Dear Lord, please help us to keep our focus on you and not on ourselves or our fear driven world.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Roy Wisner
