Faith Over Fear in Times of Distress
By Pat Benn
KNOXVILLE, TN (March 19, 2020) – Today as I arose my heart sank. News dress on social media, newspaper headlines, Facebook, Instagram, and the list continues, all focused on the coronavirus.
Pastors, theologians, teachers, preachers, apostles, deacons, all focused on the coronavirus.
There are theories leaning towards the apocalypse, conspiracy, political propaganda, germ warfare, spiritual punishment, and more.
People are fighting over toilet paper and hand sanitizer. People are suffering from massive layoffs. People are worried about paying rent or mortgages, buying food and water, or even more so, dying.
As numbers of infected people decline in China, America continues to shut down businesses. Military troops are preparing to line the streets. Curfews are in effect. Churches are being told to shut their doors. Panic has covered the land.
Which brings me to my point. Fear has been defined by some as false evidence appearing real while faith is defined in Hebrews 11:1 as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. So to the church (the body of Christ), I ask, where is your faith.
It is easy to believe God when the economy is booming, your health is intact and life is going well. It’s easy to speak of faith when none is needed. It’s simple to preach using homiletics to stir the congregation when everyone is relatively ok.
What then will you do during these times of uncertainty? Will you join the cranks of the fearful unbelievers cowering down to the giant of the coronavirus. Will you stop preaching and teaching faith hope and love? Will you continue with the homiletics, the pitch changes, in hopes of garnering a better offering?
Now faith is being put into action. Now faith is not being afraid. Now faith is continuing to minister to the needs of the flock. Now faith is checking on the sick, the aged, the homeless, the jobless and those in need.
Having faith doesn’t mean the body of Christ should be reckless, unsafe, or unprepared. It does mean that we operate out of wisdom rather than fear it panic.
Faith vs Fear in short means whose report will you believe? I will believe the report of the Lord.
His report says in Psalms 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
During these times of uncertainty, believers should be certain in God.
Pat Benn is a healthcare administrator, licensed practical nurse, and minister. Her Pain to Purpose ministry can be heard on Tuesdays at 7 pm., on Facebook Live. Click here to listen.