Are you afraid of the Coronavirus? I hear some people say it’s ‘fake news’ and others are afraid to leave their homes.

But what do we do if we are afraid? What does God say about fear? Especially when we see people stuck on cruise ships and cities are empty of people.

For one thing, faith and fear cannot exist together.

Faith is an absolute belief that God is constantly working behind the scenes in every area of our lives, even when there is no tangible evidence to support that fact.  Faith says that God is still on His throne, He is still sovereign, and He will always love me and never leave me.

Fear is unbelief or weak belief. And as unbelief gains the upper hand in our thoughts, fear then takes hold of our emotions. To be delivered from fear and worry, we must turn and base all our thoughts on faith – which is the very opposite of unbelief.

But how do I get this faith you might ask? Faith is a gift that God gives us, for our salvation to work.

We need to understand that Faith is not something we can produce in ourselves.

Ephesians 2:8-9 explains, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God and not by your works, so that no one can boast.”

So, you might ask, how do we get this Faith so we aren’t afraid? How, in day-to-day life, can we develop a faith that conquers our fears? The Bible says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). It’s the careful, day by day study of God’s Word that will begin to develop a strong faith. God wants us to know Him and completely rely on His direction in our lives. It’s completely surrendering our life to him and letting Him be in charge while we read and meditate on the Scriptures.

And spending time in prayer and quiet worship will develop that relationship with your heavenly Father that will see us through even the darkest of nights.

The Bible is clear that faith does not mature or strengthen without trials. This is the part I don’t like! Adversity is God’s most effective tool to develop a strong faith. James 1:2-4 explains:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you now that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

But God will never leave you or forsake you when you are going through a trial. He gives us promises to take hold of and claim for ourselves!

Action Plan

Read through the Psalms and other verses whenever you are afraid! Print these out and keep them nearby. Remember, David was afraid many times and said,

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

“A heart at peace gives life to the body.” Proverbs 14:30

“If God is for us who can be against us!” Romans 8:31

“Even though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deut. 31:6

“But God have us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“But the angel said to them, ‘do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10

And last Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 

Throughout life we will continue to face various trials that would cause us fear, but God assures us that we can know a calm peace through every situation. Please stay strong in the Lord and cast away any fear you may have!

Manna from Heaven

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7