The Corona Virus

“…there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24: 7b-8)

We are living in a time when the world is in crisis. This can be our finest moment. We have hope. We have assurance, even while the world around us is in darkness. We can use this time to reach those who have not yet given their hearts to the Lord. This is what I have done with people in my life with whom I have shared, but who have not yet made a decision.

“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2)

Here is what I believe the Lord is saying about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19):

The spirit of fear is rampant among people all over the globe. “Men’s hearts will be failing them for fear of the things coming on them.” (Luke 21:26) There is a spirit in the secular media that exaggerates this virus so badly that you will need to insulate your mind in order to keep yourself free from paranoia.

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love and power and a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7) After walking with Him for over 40 years, I can say with all my heart:  “Thank you Lord for this assurance.”

The word “fear” appears 365 times in the Bible, one for each day of the year – for example, “Fear not” and “Be not afraid.” F.E.A.R. can be made into an acronym for “False Evidence Appearing Real.” The definition of fear in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is, “Dread, fright, alarm, trepidation, panic, terror.”

Here in Israel, at least, it seems as though there is a mass hysteria concerning COVID-19 and where it might strike next.

However, even if my life were to suddenly end, I know that I will be with Him in heaven, eternally. I have given my heart and life to Jesus. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

I believe this is a moment in time for many to give their lives to the best Friend they will ever have. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

This is my prayer today, “Thank you, Jesus, for giving me peace instead of worry, faith instead of fear, and hope instead of despair.” If you don’t have that peace, your prayer can be very simple: ask God to forgive you for the sins you have committed. Ask Him to come into your heart, and live there.

Love in Him,

Terri Morey, Poriya Congregation, Galilee