Reap the Panic or the Prayer

You will reap what you sow. At least that’s what Galatians 6:7  says, and I have no doubt that it’s true. The media has been sowing panic about the Wuhan coronavirus, and we are seeing empty store shelves as people have panicked and stockpiled. And looking at this website, I’m reminded that people will be filled with the fruit of their schemes and ensnared by their wickedness. (Proverbs 1:31, 5:22) Isn’t that what’s happening in our world right now? 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt encouraged a Depression-afflicted America that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”, an affliction that is paralyzing the world right now and possibly leading to the same economic condition that Roosevelt was trying to address in his first inaugural speech. The scariest thing about the COVID-19 coronavirus is what we don’t know, which is a terrifying concept for a people that have come to depend on their technology and understanding. We have deified man, and we have worshiped our creation. All the experts have come together with their models for exercising extreme caution to this threat and sounded an alarm. 

I’m not convinced we are taking the appropriate action. Is there any action sufficient to protect us all completely? And at what point is the treatment worse than the disease? I’m sure someone will yell at me for not taking this seriously enough or for not being sensitive to the lives that will be lost if we don’t take these extreme measures. 

I don’t want to minimize the importance of heightened practices for good hygiene at this time or to suggest we ignore the warnings of our leaders. I also don’t mean to sound callous to all the concerns for the lives that could be lost, but death is part of being human. Peace and security are overrated. And let’s be honest: there is no true peace and security in this fallen world. 

But I’m reminded that we are told not to be anxious about anything and to present our requests with thanksgiving to God in prayer. (Philippians 4:6) The most appropriate decision I’ve seen in America to date is the President’s declaration to make Sunday March 15th a National Day of Prayer. Some people will scoff at this very important declaration, but they are fools. They have come to depend on the false gods of man and technology. They are afraid right now because their gods are failing them and they have no hope beyond this world. However, we who believe have a confidence beyond the visible world. 

I know I will live beyond this life, because I can trust the truth of Scripture. I can trust the Bible because God has given me unshakable proof through the prophecies already fulfilled throughout history. I will live forever, and I have no fear of what may come. 

Can you say the same? How does the reality of death impact your life? Do you know Christ as your Lord and Savior? Is that coming through in your actions? Every man dies, so how will you live? 

If you are a believer anywhere in the world, please join in America’s National Day of Prayer for all nations and all peoples. God has a promise that if we, His people, will humble ourselves, pray, seek His Face and turn from our wicked ways that He will forgive our sins and heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:14). We should take Him up on that promise. 

copyright ©2020 Mitchell Malloy (http://mitchellmalloyblogspot.com/)

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