Text: Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Today, we are going to pause in our study of the Sermon on the Mount, and consider the “elephant in the room” at this time. The panic and fear over the pandemic Corona Virus 19. Does the Bible provide any hope? Can we as His Children provide hope in this time? Well, the better question might be – if we can’t find hope in the Bible or give it to the world around, who will? Whether you believe this is a real issue or you think it is overblown, we need to be the calm voice in the tumult around us. So, today, and over the next few days (we will think about Spring tomorrow and return to this study on Friday), let us see how to have and be Hope in the World at this time.
Right now you may feel this in one of the darkest times of your life, but God knows what is coming. He will use these experiences to bring things out of you that cannot come any other way. Remember, in the midst of the storm – God is still in control. Even when we might feel unable, with God we can be the calm and peace to those around us.
Paul encourages us in Romans 5:1-5 (CSB) that we are a people of HOPE. Listen to God’s Word – “Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Emphasis added).
The circumstances around us can be frightening. They can be discouraging. They can be confusing. We may be overwhelmed.
However, as Children of God, He wants us to Trust Him.
He wants us to have courage, faith, and HOPE.
So, how can we have hope when everything looks hopeless?
In the midst of suffering, we can rejoice because these challenges cause us to do three very important things. We should be doing these daily, but we tend to forget.
So, let us consider these important parts of being His in the midst of suffering. Friday, we will consider Relying on God’s Presence. Saturday, Relying on God’s Provision. And on Sunday, Relying on God’s Power.
This didn’t start in a day, nor will the fear and panic stop in a day. As His Ambassadors to this world, we are being called about being the voice of reason, peace, and calmness.
Join me in daily praying for God to intervene in this situation and bring out His purpose and plan for us and mankind.
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