“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)

The Amplified Bible adds further insight … “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].” The challenge of this verse is for us to react with a clam spirit to life’s difficult times. This is a challenge for all of us today in this time of crisis.

Due to the ongoing fear of the novel coronavirus some are panicking by buying up more than their fair share of toilet paper, flour, non-perishable food items, etc. The reality is that the stores are not likely to close because this crisis has nothing to do with a shortage of food or non-food items. The greater reality is that we do not need to panic because “God’s not dead” as the popular Christian song goes “he is surely alive.” God is alive and well and is in complete control.

There is a reason that God has allowed this virus to affect the world. The reasons vary in uncountable ways for every individual. For some it is a reminder that life is short, and that you need to turn from your sins and ask Jesus to save you. You need to be born again before it is eternally too late. For believers it may be God is calling you to increase your faith in him and reach out and encourage and help those around you who may be suffering from this virus or need basic supplies. For our nation as a whole it is certainly God telling us to turn to him as a nation and seek him instead of materialism and sexual lust. Beyond that there is no way to know all the ways God use a crisis to accomplish his infinitely complex plans for the universe he has created. One thing we can be sure about is that God’s plans are perfect and we can trust him with the mystery of his ways.

2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that God will give us the strength to endure what ever comes our way. He will give us the ability to love others through this crisis by caring for others, sharing with others, not hoarding so much that we cause others to go without. If we trust in God’s power to give us strength, to not panic, and to love others like God loves us, then we will find our minds at peace and we will be able to be calm and rational and make wise and unselfish decisions when those around us panic in fear.

So trust put your trust in the saving grace of Jesus and find strength in the promises of God. Determine to replace panic and fear with love for those around you. Endure this present crisis with joy knowing God is not dead but he is surely alive.

Just know that Victory Church and the other churches of our area love you! Yes you! And we are praying for you! We are looking forward to being a helping hand to those in need and light of hope to the fearful in these uncertain times.

For the health and safety of those most vulnerable to this virus most churches in our area will be holding service online. We are not “Canceling” our services. The building is not the church the people are the church. Meeting online is church so Join your local church online this Sunday. Victory Church invites you to worship with us this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at vbcsagle.com where you will be encouraged in the Word of God as we stream our service online for the next several weeks.

Pastor Jerry Favor is pastor of Victory Church, 602 Gun Club Road in Sagle.