F.E.A.R. is the Enemy, Hiding behind Covid-19

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

I’m riding home from our spring break getaway. Joe and I went to Galveston this past week with our older son and his clan. We left in the midst of the Corona Virus Pandemic. It was a 5-hour drive from home to Galveston. Lots of time to scroll through news headlines and social media as my husband drove. There is so much hysteria happening across America, and to be honest I don’t understand the survival of the fittest (meanest) mentality.

While we as a society should be pulling together, shining in our humanity, showing love and compassion, some have chosen to be gripped by F.E.A.R. and greed. Nothing good comes of that. Empty shelves and videos of neighbors having physical altercations over toilet paper are making the headlines. Social media is being blasted with Covid-19 drama. People are hoarding. Groceries are scarce. Events are on hold, and gatherings are cancelled. Stores are price gouging. I even saw a homeless man “selling” bottled water at a stop light. That was creative. But behind the scenes is the real story that you don’t see.

The truth is somewhere in the back drop, and it’s beautiful. Behind the scenes are local churches keeping their doors open and their prayers and praise lifted. Not in the headlines (because it doesn’t improve ratings) are the many TRUE stories of neighbors sharing their supplies with neighbors who have less. Churches such as North Point Church in Saginaw, Texas working together with school, city and county officials to help meet the needs of the community during this crisis. Neighbors are helping neighbors with childcare. Friends are shopping for elderly or other friends at risk, so they can stay in. Local restaurants are offering to provide children free lunches while schools remain closed. Shout out to Mama Lama Cafe in Newark, Texas! https://www.facebook.com/MamaLamaCafe/ As Paul Harvey always said, “now that’s the rest of the story!”.

Philippians 4:6  (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Fear creates hate and leads to violence. Fear is at the heart of doubt, anxiety, and greed. Fear causes people to act irrationally and turn on one another. Fear gives root to ignorance. Fear is dangerous. The Word of God tells us in Isaiah 43:1 “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” God is instructing us, in the middle of our trials and tribulations not to worry, or walk in fear. Fear is a weapon of the enemy. The enemy uses fear to steal our joy, our hope, and ultimately our victory.

Matthew 6:34  (NIV)  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

In Exodus 16, as the Israelite’s journeyed through the desert, God provided Manna daily to sustain them. God provided more than enough for them each day. Some tried to hoard the manna in fear that it may not come tomorrow. Those that hoarded the manna found that it was spoiled and filled with maggots the next day.

Go to the store, get what you need. Leave the rest for others to sustain them as well. Share. If we all share, and take our fair portion, there will be enough to go around. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Be wise.  Wash your hands, seek medical care as needed, practice social distancing as appropriate, stock up in moderation, be informed, walk in TRUTH. Not fear. Use WISDOM.

Acts 20:35  (NIV) In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

So family, friends, neighbors and strangers, today let’s choose WISDOM, FAITH and LOVE. We can walk out this situation together and victorious as instructed in James 3:17, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Be Love!

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