March 28, 2020
Within the past few weeks, our lives have changed dramatically. The coronavirus or COVID-19 has impacted society at every level. It’s brought anxiety, confusion, illness, death and financial distress throughout our nation and the world.
How do we resist becoming isolated, fearful, discouraged, and frustrated during these times?
Isolation:
Television and radio entertain and keep us up to date with helpful news (as well as the junk we don’t need). Fortunately, we have access to a variety of technological means to keep us in touch with one another. Beyond telephones, texting, and emails, there is a myriad of social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, etc. to help keep up to date with each other. Other tools such as Face Time, Zoom, Marco Polo, etc. provide visual and audible means of connecting professionally and personally.
Fear:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalms 46:1
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.”
Psalms 91:2,4-6
“fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27
“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1Peter 5:7
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God;”
Psalm 46:10
Discouragement, and Frustration:
Roy Lessin has generously allowed me to share from his devotional Meet Me in the Meadow.
From August 3.
“God has not made the earth and abandoned it. He has not retreated somewhere in the universe and gone into hiding. He is today where He has always been, on His throne. God sees all things, knows all things, and is all-powerful. God is all in all. He is above all. Nothing is above Him or equal to Him. There is no king or ruler that has more authority than God; there is no political figure that has more influence than God; there is no nation that has more control than God. No one can out-think Him, or out-smart Him. He is God Almighty. He has all authority in heaven and earth. His enemies are under His feet. He reigns and rules. He is the majesty on High.”
Meanwhile, we can
Pray:
For all medical providers, first responders, and all service industries serving on the front lines.
For our families, friends, and neighbors.
For our nation and the world.
For our government and spiritual leaders
For revival in our land
“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves
and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
Give:
If possible, be generous with others in service and or provision.
Encourage others who are even more isolated.
If able, donate blood since there’s a shortage.
Clothe ourselves spiritually:
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:11-18
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Setting Two Hearts Free picks up in 1781 five years after A Heart For Freedom ends and focuses on the younger generation. The war is winding down but the danger and challenges the characters face haven’t—and some will last long after leaving the battlefield.
Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial,