FEAR NOT!!

“Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.” Betrand Russell

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably heard of the Coronavirus by now. Its associated panic and fear are unprecedented. Store shelves are sparse, people are hoarding items, and water and toilet paper are sold out from most stores. People are price gouging -attempting to sell $1 bottles of hand sanitizers for $80 per bottle. Greed and panic are rearing their ugly heads. It’s chaotic and in my lifetime, I have NEVER seen anything like it. People everywhere are fearful. But why?

I believe that the Coronavirus is REAL. However, based on GOD’S instructions to “Fear NOT”, I think that the panic and fear associated with it is unwarranted. “Fear not!” is the most repeated command in the Bible. The phrase “fear not” is used at least 365 times in the Bible, most likely because GOD knew the enemy would use fear to decrease our hopes and limit our victories. Fear has no place in the heart or mind of a believer, it just doesn’t. Yet, let me be clear, I am NOT suggesting that GOD’S instruction to “fear not “infers that we should NOT be taking the necessary precautions to prevent the Coronavirus.

From what I’ve read, NO ONE is immune to the Coronavirus and although there is a good chance-if infected-of recovering from it, the bigger risk is passing it on to those whose immune systems are compromised and the elderly. We’ve got to act responsibly. But, how? To avoid and reduce the risk of being contaminated (or contaminating others), we need to make some drastic lifestyle changes.

Self-quarantining ourselves and our families will serve as the biggest precautionary measure we can take. It’s irresponsible to continue to go to parties, movies, clubs, malls, etc. It’s just too risky. Also incorporating these precautions into our daily living- washing our hands, covering our mouth, using gloves, paper towels or napkins to open and close store doors, wiping down all surfaces and distancing ourselves socially by limiting our interactions with others-will greatly reduce our risk of contamination. Since I have a history of respiratory issues and am in the high-risk category, I too am doing whatever I can to avoid compromising my immune system.

Along with the aforementioned precautions, I am also CHOOSING to TRUST GOD because I’ve discovered that the reason why “Fear NOT” appears in the Bible 365 times is because we are expected to use — one “Fear not” for every day of the year! 

So my prescription is to TRUST GOD, take precautions, and redeem one of my “FEAR NOT’S” for EVERY day this virus exists. Recognizing that I AM covered by HIS BLOOD, I’ll “FEAR NOT” today and I’ll “FEAR NOT” again tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that….

SHIP TALK: Are you fearful? If so, why? What changes have you made because of the Coronavirus?

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