by Angela Moreno

I had heard the stories on Facebook and on the news. Widespread panic and buying associated with the COVID-19 virus. Hand sanitizers, bleach products, and toilet paper are flying off the shelf in record speeds. I thought my community would be immune to the panic. Most everyone I know is sane and surely wouldn’t react in a panic state at the news of a virus. At this time, my area only had 2 confirmed cases, from people who had traveled to Italy, hardly a reason to panic.

Imagine my surprise when I went to Wal-Mart to do my weekly shopping. Not one roll of toilet paper, paper towels, or tissues. Not one product with bleach. No rice. The meat case was wiped out. Need bottled water? Good luck. Baby wipes for your child. Nope. I chuckled in disbelief because I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

Why are we so afraid of THIS virus?

Illness isn’t anything new.  It seems like every couple of years a new “killer” virus strikes. Jesus even told us that before He came back to set up His earthly kingdom, things would get pretty bad around here.

“It will seem like all hell has broken loose—sun, moon, stars, earth, sea, in an uproar and everyone all over the world in a panic, the wind knocked out of them by the threat of doom, the powers-that-be quaking.” Luke 21:25-26 (message)

Why this spirit of fear when God tells us we have nothing to fear if we trust Him?

The media has everyone is hysterics. The truth is that this is a nasty virus, but the majority of people are recovering from it.  The deaths attributed to COVID-19 are mostly the elderly and people with suppressed immune systems. Anyone who falls into that category should be extra cautious but not fearful.

I don’t fear anything that is going on in this world.  My heart breaks for people who lost loved ones in the Tennessee tornado, the loss of animals in the Australian fires, and the panic and fear that people feel right now over this virus.  But I AM NOT AFRAID! I realize that I’m not in the over 60 crowd who this virus seems to hit harder than the rest of us, but I still wouldn’t be afraid if I was.

Because MY God is in control!

As Christians, we do not have a spirit of fear in us. God does not give us fear; Satan does. Second Timothy 1:7 confirms this:

God didn’t give us a spirit that makes us weak and fearful. He gave us a spirit that gives us power and love. It helps us control ourselves.

We should be digging into our Bibles and praying daily for God’s guidance. We have to trust Him and know that even though Satan thinks he has the upper hand right now by causing panic, chaos, and death, God is still in control.  God has the final say on what happens in this world.  And guess what?  I’ve read the end of the story.  God wins.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t be cautious and do our best to protect our families from this virus. Buying out stores of essential products is not being cautious, that is being fearful.  Wash your hands, stay out of large gatherings of people, and use common sense. Trust that our leaders are making the best decisions to keep us all safe.

If you have a fearful spirit right now because of what is going on in this world, I want you to meditate on these verses of scripture. God does not want you afraid. He wants you to trust Him.  These are promises that God has made to us as His children. And God NEVER breaks His promises.

•  So do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not be terrified. I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. My powerful right hand will take good care of you. I always do what is right. Isaiah 41:10

• Don’t worry about anything. Instead, tell God about everything. Ask and pray. Give thanks to him. Then God’s peace will watch over your hearts and your minds because you belong to Christ Jesus. God’s peace can never be completely understood. Philippians 4:6-7

• Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff comfort me. Psalm 23:4

• Turn your worries over to the Lord. He will keep you going. He will never let godly people fall. Psalm 55:22

• Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid of them. Don’t be terrified because of them. The Lord your God will go with you. He will never leave you. He’ll never desert you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Tuck those verses in your heart and pull them out when you feel afraid. God loves you more than you can ever imagine and He will help you work through your fears if you will call on Him.

The panic buying has to stop! People who actually need products such as alcohol wipes, toilet paper, and baby wipes are not able to get the basics that they need for their families. We have to overcome these fears and be considerate of each other. The selfishness that this world is showing shocks and astounds me. If we had a true disaster that we needed to rely on each other for, I’m concerned that many people would be looking out for themselves without any concern for others around them. And that is not Godly, that is of the devil!

If you walk with Jesus, you have nothing to fear! If you do not walk with Jesus, I urge you to find someone who can walk you through a prayer of salvation.  Jesus is coming back very soon. Don’t be left behind to deal with the chaos that will remain when Jesus removes His church from this earth.

If you are ready to take the next step, click on the video below from Pastor Kim Mills.  She will walk you through accepting Jesus as your Savior.