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"Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, 'Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent.'"
(Acts 18:9)
I have been preaching through the Book of Acts since January 2019. I started this verse-by-verse study a year before COVID-19 hit the world. As of today, we are still in chapter 18, so we still have a way to go before we complete our study. We are calling the series "Church on the Move". I love the Word of God and teaching it systematically in our church.
Can you remember when COVID-19 became a real issue for you? In March of 2020, my family and I were flying back home from our niece's wedding in South Africa. We realized COVID-19 was becoming a global problem when we changed planes in Europe. We were told that had we arrived thirty minutes later, we would have not been able to pass through to our next flight due to the shutdowns enacted in response to the new pandemic. Every person and nation has been adversely affected by this coronavirus. I have preached the funerals of both younger and older people who have died from COVID-19. So many people have contracted the virus. As of today, as far as I know, I have not gotten sick from COVID. I am grateful, because I know so many, including my wife, who have contracted it.
Fear is running rampant all over our world. The best way to combat fear is with the truth of God's Word. He tells us repeatedly throughout the Bible (some have calculated up to 365 times) to not fear or to not be afraid. Unfortunately, many media outlets have stopped simply reporting the news and instead communicate in a way that induces fear and anger toward those who see things differently. One of the best things we can do in America is turn off CNN and FOX News. At the very least, we all need to seriously limit our intake of news media. Quit allowing people to profit off your anxieties. What if for every minute you watched the news, you spent a minute in prayer and reading the Word of God?
God has not given us a spirit of fear. The origin of unhealthy fear is Satan or our own carnal natures. God gives power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). There is a healthy fear of God that Proverbs 9:10 says is the beginning of wisdom. There is also a fear that is natural and healthy. For example, if a grizzly bear is walking on the same path as you, you should remove yourself from that path! But the fear prohibited in Scripture is the kind that is coupled with worry and anxiety.
The Apostle Paul was becoming fearful during his ministry in Corinth. He had seen similar circumstances play out many times. He feared for his life because he knew how hostile the unbelieving Jews could be toward him. Jesus' voice of truth broke through Paul's fears and gave Paul a great sense of peace and confidence.
We will look more into this subject of fear during our devotions this week. I believe God is going to work in your life and replace your fears with truth and faith. I look forward to the ways God will bless and empower you.
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