We currently find ourselves amid a widespread sense of fear across many parts of the world mainly due to the overwhelming media focus on the Corona Virus disease (COVID-19) and the potential effects of a worldwide pandemic. The question I would like to put to you today is, what should our response be to this situation?
Fear or Faith
Depending upon who you are listening to in the media, we are either all about to die terrible suffocating deaths as the Corona Virus sweeps unchecked across the world, or alternately we should just continue to go about our normal daily routines with perhaps the inclusion of some extra personal protections and awareness.
The first question we need to consider is whether we listen to and believe the media hype or do we take a step back and assess the situation like mature adults using reason and common sense by looking objectively at the facts.
I have been disappointed but not really surprised by the images and news reports showing panic buying within shops and customers fighting over toilet paper rolls etc. I simply believe that many of these people are acting out of an overwhelming sense of fear that seems to have totally overcome their ability to act reasonably and courteously toward their fellow human beings.
Fear or Faith
What is Fear?
A commonly used acronym used to describe the letters that make up the word FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real and when we believe what the fear is telling us we often are compelled to act in ways that we normally would not. So we see that our behavior is often influenced by what we are feeling about a situation or circumstance. What is even more important to understand is that our feelings are influenced by our perception of what is real or in simpler terms what we believe.
What is even more important to understand is that our feelings are influenced by our perception of what is real or in simpler terms what we believe.
If we believe that we are all about to be wiped out by a world wide pandemic then of course we will act out of that belief and do what we feel we must to protect our own life and those of our loved ones. If however, we believe that the facts don't at present support the dialogue that is being constantly sprouted by the media then we will live out of that belief and act accordingly.
Fear or Faith
What are the Facts?
It has been stated that more than 90% of those infected by the Corona Virus (COVID-19) survive the disease.
Doctors have also stated that the virus does not pose a serious threat to a majority of the community, but mainly to those with serious preexisting medical conditions such as compromised immune systems, as well as infants and the elderly, and especially those within retirement facilities.
Recommended hygienic practices such as hand washing, avoiding heavily used surfaces such as public door handles and railings, etc., using and immediate disposal of tissues if you have a cold, and staying home if you are not well are simple steps we can all take to minimize our potential risks.
Fear or Faith
How can Faith help?
A living daily relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ can often help dispel feelings of fear and anxiety and replace them with a heavenly peace in the heart of a believer. This peace is accessed often by regular study of God's promises in the Bible, many of which pertain to protection and healing for the believer. When these promises of God are not only read but believed by the reader then the divine power inherent within the promise is released into the individual life and circumstances.
When these promises of God are not only read but believed by the reader then the divine power inherent within the promise is released into the individual life and circumstances.
Following is a short list of God's promises that can be believed and claimed as part of our daily walk with God. I hope you find them helpful.
(Philippians 4:6-7) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
(2 Timothy 1:7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
(John 10:10) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly
(Hebrews 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
(Psalm 91: 1-16) Please Read The Entire Psalm
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”.......................................
*I have also included a link to The Australian Government Department of Health which has many resources and daily updates on the status of the Corona Virus nationally.
God Bless
John Nolan
Dads'Uni
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