Living out Our Faith in the Midst of Uncertainty
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and a sound mind." -2 Timothy 1:7
On a typical Sunday, I rise early so that I can be at my church's worship practice by 7:30am. We rehearse for an hour or so, then we have two worship services- one at 9am and one at 10:45am. If I don't stop anywhere after church, I usually get home between 12:30 and 1pm. It is a full morning, and after a long week of working and life I am usually exhausted by the time it is over. However, I treasure this time spent with my church family worshiping God and learning about Him and wouldn't miss it for the world- until today, when I didn't have a choice.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak wreaking havoc on our country, today's church services were cancelled across the nation. Instead of participating in two worship services with my church family like I do most every Sunday, today I watched my pastor on my computer screen teach the Word from his living room. Although it was a sweet time of unity as our body of believers logged in from our own corners of the town (and some from vacation in other states), it wasn't the same. It was another reality check as to the dire circumstances our world faces- and just how vulnerable and delicate our lives and lifestyles really are.
 |
| My setup for the online version of church held in lieu of in-person services today. |
Over the past few days, I have often thought to myself how surreal this chain of events has been. It has been an eye-opening experience to how we, as Americans, have allowed ourselves to be lured into a false sense of security. Our comfortable existence in this country has led us to place our faith in many things that, over the past few weeks, have failed us.
We have taken it for granted that our grocery stores will be open every day, and that when we go in those stores we will find what we need. We have taken it for granted that when we are sick and in need of medical care, there will be doctors and facilities and equipment available to help us get better. We have taken it for granted that our children will go to school every day and get an education. We have taken it for granted that our places of employment are going to be reliable and our paychecks consistent.
Faith is built on a firm foundation.
When we place our trust in things of this world and when we place our future in the security that this world promises, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. When we place the foundation of our lives on the sand of this world, eventually our entire foundation will fall.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came don, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it has its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of min and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." -Matthew 7:24-27
We are seeing first hand how people react when they build their lives on the wrong foundation. Their foundation is crumbling, and the result is fear.
If you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ and have proclaimed Him as your Lord and Savior, you do not need to fear. Your life is in His hands, and He will take care of you.
"What is the price of five sparrows- two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered, So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." -Luke 12:6-7
Faith produces love in action.
We have seen first-hand what fear does on a large scale. The massive stockpiling of goods has shown that when the world is afraid, they think of themselves first. In order to reestablish a sense of security, many have chosen to acquire material goods beyond what common sense or any official agency has deemed necessary. As a result, we have experienced nationwide shortages of these goods, in turn sparking more fear and more compulsion to stockpile.
Loving others does not mean that we neglect to see to our own personal needs, but it does mean that we think of others and treat them as we would want to be thought of and treated ourselves. We can do this in a variety of ways, but here are some ideas:
- Only take what you need, despite the impulse to hoard more.
- Check on your neighbors and see if they are in need of help.
- Spread encouragement to those that you think could use a kind word.
- Volunteer for agencies that might need help with an influx of people in need.
- Consider helping out someone financially if they are unable to work due to the virus.
- Send cards to individuals in nursing homes that aren't able to receive visitors due to current events.
- Purchase gift cards for local small businesses to help them in this time of economic crisis.
"Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." -Matthew 7:12
Faith develops a sound mind.
When we have a sound mind, we are able to think rationally and sensibly, viewing our circumstances through the lens of the Holy Spirit to ascertain the wisdom and clarity necessary to respond to life events with wisdom and righteousness.As a result, we will not panic when faced with scary things like COVID-19. We will not panic when the grocery store shelves are empty. We will not panic when we face the potential of losing our jobs. We will not panic when our friends or even our kids get sick.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." -Isaiah 1:10
Sure, we will be concerned- maybe even fearful. Those feelings are natural. However, there is no need to react to these feelings with panic or a spirit of fear. (Note that experiencing fear as an emotion is quite different than living in a spirit of fear- one a fleeting emotion, the other is a chosen lifestyle.)
It is okay to take precautions, and even encouraged. Having faith in God does not mean running through infected areas simply to prove our faith in Him. It doesn't mean not protecting ourselves by washing our hands or practicing good hygiene. However, we need to be aware of ourselves and how we are approaching our life circumstances. Are we living in fear of what is to come, or are we living in confidence that no matter what happens, our God can handle it?
We serve a God who is bigger than COVID-19. He is bigger than nuclear weapons, bigger than the Presidential election, and bigger than Satan himself.
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." -John 16:33
We can walk forward in faith knowing that whatever we might face, our God goes before us. He will take care of us, and He still reigns.
Further Reading:
How to Pray for Our Children
Pain: Why Does God Allow It?