For over a week now, most of the messages I receive on my phone have one theme which is “CORONAVIRUS OR COVID-19”. The whole media is filled with information on the coronavirus, how it is spreading fast, how people are dying and what we can do to avoid the virus (social distancing, quarantining, regularly washing hands with soap, sanitizing hands etc). The Virus is like a shock to the world and I am amazed and really appreciate the sacrifice of researchers, medical doctors etc, who are seriously in pursuit to find a cure to this disease. Despite the different views/myths of different groups of people have about the virus, one thing I see which is consistent in perception of the virus is “FEAR.” Fear is defined as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” As humans, it is natural that we fear Coronavirus because is very harmful to human life. Personally, I got my hand sanitizer, got a face mask, took vitamin C contents, avoid public spaces, wash my hands regularly etc. Nevertheless, in doing all these things, a lot of fear still gripped me and I noticed it was similar to those around me. So, I was deep in thoughts and this issue of “FEAR” filled my mind. Whenever I am afraid of something and I know where I can get a solution, the fear goes away. I began thinking that the whole world is in panic, so where do solutions come from at this moment which can wipe away fear?
I remembered that one of the phrases which is consistent in the bible from the Old to New Testament is the word “FEAR NOT.” Some scholars present that “fear not” appears 365 times in the bible, insinuating that every day of the year, God reminds us to “Fear not.” It is easy to “fear not” when there is no threat of danger or pain. Interestingly, God tells us to “Fear not” even in the deepest depth of danger of pain. Psalm 23:4 says “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” So why does the psalmist not fear any evil? Because he knows God is with Him. So what is the Divine Position during the lifes’ storms (danger, difficulties etc)?
The Divine position through the storm is “a place close to Jesus Christ.”
Let us take sometime to read this interesting story from Matthew 14:22-36.
Jesus went to the hills to pray alone. The disciples were far away in a ship on water and the heavy waves and contrary winds were tossing their ship. They were caught-up in a storm. It is interesting to know that at this point of great fear and anguish, Jesus came towards them, walking on the same water with heavy waves which they were afraid of. When they saw Jesus, they were even more terrified and called Him a Ghost. (Probably, they were amazed that same thing which they feared will end their lives was same water and wave which Jesus was walking on). At this point, Jesus told them:- “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage, I am here” (Matthew 14:27). Then Peter asked Jesus to let him (Peter)come to Jesus, walking on water to prove that it is really Jesus. Jesus accepted Peter’s request. Peter went out of the ship and walked on water towards Jesus, but when Peter saw the strong wind and waves, he became afraid again and at that point, he began to sink. Peter called out on Jesus to save him from sinking and Jesus immediately reached out and grapped Peter. Jesus told Peter “You have so little faith…, why did you doubt me? ( Matthew 14:31). When Jesus got back into the ship with the disciples, the storm was calm and the disciples worshipped Jesus saying “You are really the son of God”.
My dear one reading this, we all are caught in a huge storm of coronavirus. The fear is enormous and we don’t know what may happen the next minute. It is lent season and while Christians commemorate Jesus’ finished works (over sin, pain, disease etc) on the cross, the world is hit by the coronavirus storm. Do we still believe in the power of the blood of Jesus and the finished works of the cross? Just like Jesus said to the disciples in the midst of the storm, I believe He is saying the same thing to us today. Jesus is saying “Don’t be afraid, take courage, I am here.” Jesus is so close with outstretched hands calling on us to come close to Him because he has overcome all these things through His death on the cross. The fear we have is evident of our doubts of the power of God, but God is a merciful and loving God. Just like Peter, even in the place of fear, let us cry out; “SAVE US LORD”. Let us not lose faith, let us not doubt the saving power of God through Jesus Christ. Let us invite God into this boat and the storm will calm!
The Divine Position through the storm is “a place close to Jesus Christ.” Besides following all the hygienic and preventive measures against the coronavirus, while we distance ourselves from the social space, it should be an opportunity to go closer to God and grow in faith. I believe God will be with us through the storm, vindicate us from the storm and we would forever worship God and He will be magnified in every nation.
Please, let us fervently seek God through prayers during these difficult moment which the world is facing.
Remember 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)
“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 will heal their land.”
Matthew 14:27
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Amidst the storm, let us go and take our position close to Jesus Christ and trust in His saving Grace.