Peace instead of Panic
Isn’t it amazing that an organism that we can’t even see without the help of a microscope can cause panic and destruction all over the world over. In just a few months, what started in a remote town in Asia has now spread worldwide, infecting thousands of people, killing many, grounding the economy, closing borders, baffling scientists, even causing widespread toilet paper shortage! As strange as what people might do in a state of panic, there is no denying that the fear is real and that we are indeed living in terrifying times.
The good news that God has a word for us during times like these.
“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
John 16:33, The Message
In the midst of the panic around we can have peace in Jesus. I love how The Message translates it, “you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.” While we may say our chances of being infected are low, very few can actually say that they are living in peace. That’s because real peace does not come by wearing masks or isolating ourselves. It comes as a person acknowledges the authority of Jesus in his life and accepts Him as the Prince of Peace. This Prince of Peace has taken whatever violence the world can give, and He has overcome. We too can live in peace because we can rely on the protection and strength that Jesus gives. Of course, this does not mean that we should be careless or reckless. We should take all measures, so we can stay safe and healthy. The point is we shouldn’t live in constant fear because we know that there is Someone holding our life together, Jesus will see us through!
We’ve seen how people react to challenging situations. Some people just grab whatever they can on a grocery isle while some panic over a news article they’ve read only to find out it’s fake news! One thing is for sure, difficult times reveal our foundation, it brings into focus the source of our security and trust. It also exposes what we hold dear in life, something we need to survive (such as toilet paper). OK, enough of the toilet paper references and going back to our topic…what I’m getting at is we need a foundation that will not crumble during a crisis. We need a source of security that will not be eroded by disease, uncertainty, economic upheavals, and whatever dangers that may lurk out in the world. That’s the reason why Jesus is inviting us to trust Him. He has taken all the violence this world can give, and He has conquered.
I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
3 John 2, NIV
– Pastor Jong Duterte
