Faith Over Fear During a Pandemic

What will you choose?

If you feed your faith, your fears will starve. On the other hand, if you feed your fears, your faith will starve. In unprecedented times like these, it feels like we are losing control over our worldly possessions: jobs, health, food, community and so on…but, we actually have control over a large choice: What will we choose to feed?

With the constant buzzing of COVID-19 information around us, we’re consuming at a rapid rate. Between the news and social media, the updates are overwhelming. The panic is swirling. Getting caught up in the riptide of fear that pulls us under one news article at a time seems almost inevitable. We’re gulping up for air as grocery store shelves empty and trying to get up on our feet as life around us is canceled. We’re desperate for a lifeline during the chaos.

But, what if we just choose to STOP?

Breathe.

Relax your shoulders. Unclench your jaw.

And, trust in Him.

Today. Right now.  

What if we decide today to just stop feeding the fears?

If not now, then when?

And instead;

1. Feed our faith.
2. Fuel our devotion to Him.
3. III. Ignite our community with His love.

Imagine all of the good that could come out of that. A lifeline, if you will.

This doesn’t mean that we should ignore the medical advice from professionals and large national organizations. But, worrying and fear are not of God. Peace and hope are.

God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear but a spirit of peace, love and sound mind. With such, we can make informed decisions to keep us safe while trusting in Him.

What does the Bible say about worrying?

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27, NLT)

The Bible has the phrase “fear not” 365 times in it. In the settings where Jesus says “do not be afraid”, His followers are going through crucial times. They are going through major change, facing their biggest fears and going into battle…feel familiar?

So, where do we go from here, in this crucial time?

1. Feed our faith

Right now, one of our biggest assets is our mind. Let’s do a quick evaluation. How do you feel after reading another news article or social media post about COVID-19? I know I get anxious, worried and irritable. Conversely, how do you feel after reading His word? Likely refreshed, peaceful and hopeful.

Even just for a day, try out these easy changes of investing in, or feeding, your faith.

Starve:

• The news
• Negative social media updates
• Blaming others

Feed:

• Turning on worship music
• Opening up The Bible
• Spreading positivity
• Being hopeful

2. Fuel our devotion

Pray. As simple as that.

Our Father wants to help. To fuel our devotion to Him and grow our relationship, we need to talk to Him. He actually knows what we’re going to pray about before we even open our mouths. He is Our Father and the cool part about that, is we get to be the kids (Yes! Even you, grownups!).  Go to Him with your worries but also your joy. Don’t afraid to be bold in your prayer.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all He has done”. (Philippians 4:6, NLT)

3. Ignite our community

Ask yourself how you can be a light to spread hope. How can we be of service to others? Maybe it looks like sending a friend an encouraging note. Or, praying for your friends and family. Maybe it’s dropping off a favorite treat. Or, using your platform to spread His word.  The world needs God’s love now more than ever. Even the smallest light can illuminate the darkest room.

 As an individual, you have the opportunity to shine His light to many. As an organization, you have the opportunity to shine even more. We’ve created 9 FREE social-ready images that feature Bible verses about overcoming fear. We’d love for you to share this good news with your followers. See the link below to access these unique images in our free “The Overcomer” social pack.

As we close, I am glad you’ve taken the time to read and invest in your faith today. I hope this message leaves you with hope and a renewed spirit. I encourage you to lean on His strength when you feel weak. And, I pray that God breaks radiant through the shades of night and chases your fears away.

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So, I will ask you – what will you feed? Your faith or your fears?

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6: 24, ESV)