The latest news headlines could grip us with fear. Or indifference. Or even mocking those who are preparing for the worst case scenario. A few months ago the whispers of Coronavirus in China were sad, but not hitting close to home. Then as the virus began to spread across continents our heads turned a little. When this sickness finally (inevitably) made its way to our homeland we began to pay attention.

I think what has been interesting to observe are the different responses to Coronavirus. Some people dismiss this entirely citing how the flu kills more per year than this has, so far. Others buy all the toilet paper (?) and hand sanitizer they can get there hands on, leaving little to nothing for anyone else. Can I offer some middle ground here?

Coronavirus should be taken seriously. It is a disease without a known vaccine at the time I’m writing this. So we can take measures to curb the high number of cases, but this isn’t going away anytime soon. Also cause for concern is the fact that China exports all antibiotics for the U.S.

Yet at the same time a Christian should not be an alarmist. God gave us common sense to prepare for crisis but not overreact either. There is a huge difference in preparedness and selfishness. Take what you need to possibly endure public closings for a few weeks, but leave essential items on the shelf for the elderly, those with compromised health issues, and healthcare facilities to have enough.

Americans who are still arrogant to think this disease won’t affect them? Well, maybe (hopefully) not directly, but there will be a trickle effect- in the economy, sick friends and family, the supply and demand problem for necessary household items, and paychecks temporarily minimized if workers can’t work from home.

The good news is we need not fear, even if the worst case scenario does happen. Why? Because the Lord is still Sovereign. This hasn’t taken Him by surprise. Maybe it is partly meant to humble us- to remember we are mortal and vulnerable. It is also an opportunity to share the Gospel of hope to those stricken with panic. Tell them about Jesus. We can preach the truth to ourselves too when we get afraid over the uncertainty.

Our Father who loves us so much that He gave His only Son to be our ransom, don’t you think He will care for us as He sees fit in this situation? He says in His Word, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;” (Isaiah 43:1-3).

God calls His children to not be anxious but to trust Him in everything. He is “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,” (Psalm 46:1-2). In the King James Version, the command to “Fear not” and “Be not afraid” occurs 103 times. God is worthy of our trust because He proves His faithfulness to us every day. I encourage you to take time and read Isaiah 41-43.

So what else can we do during this volatile time? Besides practicing basic hygiene, Christians can demonstrate Christlike character using discernment in posting on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Understand people are more on edge than usual right now and show compassion, patience and maybe even helpfulness. Be different than the typical response. Be salt and light to a dying world.

Grace upon grace,

April