What is more contagious than the corona virus? Our fear of this very dangerous disease. We fear it and other people see and sense our fear, and they start to fear it too. The fear multiplies exponentially amongst all South Africans, and it doesn’t take long before everyone is affected by this fear. Then fear starts to drive our actions. We wake up at night, we worry, we stress, we start to make irrational decisions.  We do panic buying of sanitary goods, medicines and food and in so doing deplete stocks and prevent other people from doing normal shopping. Amongst them are the elderly and the poor, who cannot stockpile these items because they do not have the means to do it. 

Now, it is a natural reaction to fear something like the corona virus. Everyone is confronted with this emotion. But children of God have to think twice about their fear. Fear is a sign of being helpless. Being threatened. But we are the children of the almighty God – the creator of everything. Nothing happens without Him knowing about it, nothing can happen that He cannot prevent or overcome. He loves us. Although we are in this world, we are not of this world. We are also affected by the world and all its problems and dangers but for us this life is only a very small part of our existence. One day we will be with Him where no pain, death or disease exists.

So where does that leave us? Do we just start dancing in the streets and forget about Corona, washing hands, self-isolation and social distancing? No! Not basing your decisions on fear does not imply you can be irresponsible or uninformed. It means you are calm and collected, knowing your Father has not forsaken you and is providing you with the wisdom you need to make the necessary decisions. Focus your heart on Him and pray for wisdom, and it is promised that He will grant you the wisdom you need. Then go do what your heart tells you to do. Without fear or panic but with the resolve that stems from the wisdom of God.

But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind.

James 1:6 AMP

I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.

John 16:33 CEV

I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 CEV

I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn’t like the peace this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.

John 14:27 CEV

God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7 CEV

I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.

Psalms 23:4 CEV

Christ gives me the strength to face anything.

Philippians 4:13 CEV