Things have begun to look ghastly and horrifying as of late. Disease, sickness, fear and panic everywhere. Dread, hatred, impatience, horror and rage abound.
Satan preys on our fears, and lately, he’s been feeding. Hard as we try, his evil cannot be comprehended by the human mind. How can anyone, even the most foul of creatures, understand a being who hungers for the savage molestation and full-scale annihilation of innocence?
Thankfully, the Bible says we are “MORE than conquerors” through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:37). It’s easy to say “don’t be afraid,” but the reality is, that’s quite a challenge. In the coming days, some of us will entertain our worst fears, to be certain. As for me, I have no other hope than Christ, so my “advice,” such as it is, comes from Him.
I can only hold on the the Lord with everything I am, and believe He will see me and my family through this.
Keep in mind, the enemy salivates over the thought of destroying us, but his power has already been broken!
“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.” (Hebrews 2:14)
That’s good news!
In Ephesians 6, under the heading, “A Fight to the Finish” in The Message version of the Bible, we also find these encouraging words:
“God is strong, and He wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
“Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over, you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.”
Since most of my childhood was spent in church, nearly all my life I’ve been told, “Read your Bible and pray every day.” Seems cliché, and we begin to wonder what good it ACTUALLY does, but you can see in the previous verses, the two primary weapons listed are “God’s Word” and “prayer.” Many of us have the attitude that, “when all else fails, PRAY,” but I think the Lord wants prayer and reading His Word to be our spiritual weapons of choice.
I’d like to offer a prayer of encouragement for you, and then end with five Bible verses I feel will help you combat the fear.
“Lord, I come to You today, humbled by Your love for me. I am in awe, God, of the fact that Your love was SO great, You asked Your only Son to come to Earth as a human, solely to die for me, so I may spend eternity with You. I would like to praise and thank You for my amazing family, and my friends. I pray Your blood protect them in the coming weeks and months. I know nothing is beyond your help, and nothing takes you by surprise. You said in Your Word that perilous times shall come (II Timothy 3), but also promised in 1st John 4:4 that greater is He who is within me than he who creeps and crawls through this fallen world. While we would prefer an easy life, You never promised us this. With this in mind, Lord, I ask for Your strength and guidance in the coming days, for me and all my friends reading this. I pray You blanket us with peace and joy. May laughter abide in every home. I ask for comfort, not just for me and mine, but for all who seek Your face. May we be a shining light in the midst of darkness. Help us, Jesus, in this most desperate hour. We cling to You. We love and believe in You, and make an oath that our faith in You will NOT be shaken. In Your blessed name I pray all these things, believing for an answer. Amen.”
Keep these Bible verses with you all times, for comfort in these next few challenging months:
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Fear the Lord, you His holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing.” (Psalm 34:7-9)
“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” (II Thessalonians 3:3-4)
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me,’ declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 54:17)
“Keep Me as the apple of your eye; hide Me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from My mortal enemies who surround me. They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.” (Psalm 17:8-10)
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (II Timothy 4:18)
Stay safe.
Stay strong.
Amen.
Broken People 