COVID-19 is a truly terrible sickness. One like I’ve never seen or experienced before. I’ve had headaches, body aches, fever, chills, sinus issues, loss of taste/smell, poor appetite, lack of sleep, cough, congestion, runny nose, hiccups and major fatigue. But I think the hardest part is usually one of the simplest things to do… Breathe. It often hurts to breathe. And it hurts to think about breathing.
Honestly, I’ve found myself worrying. Not only about myself but Misty and our boys. I worry about my friends and family getting sick. Many of my church family and friends have been impacted by this virus. Sadly, some have passed into eternity. This pandemic has caused many of us to have major fears! We are afraid to go out. Afraid to touch anything. Afraid to hug or shake hands. Afraid to go out in public. Afraid of isolation. What can we do?
Are you filled with fear today? Does your faith seem weak? Are you constantly worried or afraid about things? It could be fears over the coronavirus, religious freedom, the fall Afghanistan, the hurricane victims, your family, your job, or your security. Whatever it is, God can help you.
The apostle Paul reminds us that fear is not from God (II Timothy 1:7). If it's not from God, then it must come from our enemy, the devil. We need to make it and remove it from our lives! Confess your fears. Speak against them. Surrender them at the cross.
Listen closely to what Paul said, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Why those things? Love will overpower your fears. Love can overcome fear. A sound mind can tame fear. Love is the greatest virtue (I Corinthians 13).
When I read Paul’s words to Timothy, do you know what I hear? God's Holy Spirit is greater, stronger, and infinitely more powerful than anyone or anything. And if you’re a Christian. God’s Holy Spirit lives inside of you! Trust in Him! Let Him help you.
Whatever you are facing today, remember that there is a God who can help you through it. He loves you very much. He said: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)
If you think you wanna quit… Don't! You wanna give up? Don't you dare! Just be strong in the Lord. Don't throw in the towel now. Your reward is coming! The road may be rough and long but the road will end. If you are a child of God then Heaven awaits. Fear is not worth your time!
Don't get in such a tizzy. Don’t stress out. Let go of your anxiety. Enjoy the journey. Find faith, hope, and love. Give up your fears. Just breathe.
You are loved!
Dr. Ray Reynolds