Hope Versus Fear

Hope and Fear entered a race. The starting shot was fired. The race began. Fear takes the lead. The distance between Hope and Fear widens until Hope is no longer visible. Following close behind Fear is Fear’s twin, Lies. Lies job is to subtlety sow seeds of doubt that the progress of Hope might be impeded.   Fear won the race.

Nothing travels faster than fear. The contagion of fear travels faster than any virus. Fear of the coronavirus: COVID-19, has spread like wildfire.

This seed of “fear and anxiety” is sown like fertilizer in a field; producing, and reproducing, mass hysteria in all who reaps from its’ field. Nations have become paralyzed with the threat of what this virus has done and “might” do.

The fruit of this seed has reaped havoc and despair. Every area of the economy has been affected: schools and universities have closed their doors; sports arenas and special events have been cancelled; the stock market has dropped drastically; people are afraid to travel. Worst yet, they are stocking up on supplies; especially toilet paper and disinfectant – as if surrounding themselves with these items can curtail the virus.

This pandemic, like a low hanging dark cloud, has overshadowed; to the point of absolute blindness, the lives of many people. The very fabric of our society is gradually coming apart.

The soul of the community has been shattered. And, this thing need not be.

The greatest threat to unity is division. Together we can stand but divided, we will fall. To overthrow any government, community, family, or relationship; all one has to do is bring in division. When division enters the scene, it brings with it fear, distrust, and torment.

To hope is to thrive, and to thrive is to live.

Fear is a plague within itself. It is the parent of great suffering and many sicknesses and diseases. Fear cancels out love; for love cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear. Fear thrives in hopelessness and unbelief.

Yet, to those that KNOW the LORD, we live in peace and harmony. For in Christ Jesus, we have a hiding place.

We that trust in Jesus, are covered by Him.  God is our fortress; nothing can get past Him.  Before any sickness or disease can attack us, it must first be allowed by God.  And, if He allows it, He will use it as an instrument to work for our good and His glory.   No weapon formed against a child of God can prosper.  (Isaiah 54:17)

This know, also; God will never withhold anything good from those who love Him and live by His commandments. God will deliver His people from any entrapment and pestilence. He will cover us with His presence, and under His shadow, we can rest in peace. We have the assurance of His Word that He will shield and protect us. His truth is our shield and buckler. It is written:

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;  Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. – Psalm 91:5-10

It is the truth of God’s Word that you must stand firmly upon. When you believe, you can face any storm, for His truth is your shield and buckler. His Word is your protection against the deceits of Satan.

If you are afraid, or distressed, because of what is happening in your country, or in your private life; then I invite you to accept Jesus as Lord of your life. Only He can give you peace in the midst of chaos, and cause you to prosper when instability and trouble abounds.

Blessed are those who trust in God. Like a well-watered tree, they have strength for any crisis and in times of draught, they still bear fruit.

It is written: “…the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” – Ecclesiastes 9:11

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.  – Matthew 24:13

 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, the ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  – Romans 15:13