Faith Not Fear
In the midst of uncertainty, we need to be reminded of the God we worship. Our God is not surprised by any of the events that are taking place. When Job was struggling with his suffering and cried out to God, we get a glimpse into God’s response:
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements — surely you know!” (Job 38:4–5)
God basically did a “mic drop” moment when he said this. It is easy to question God but He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The same God that created heaven and earth is the same God that is in control today. The same God that breathed life into you and continues to put breath in your lungs is the same God we worship today. The same God that you praised on the mountain tops is the same God who is walking with you through the valley (Psalm 23).
Sometimes God’s plans are simply too wonderful for us to know (Psalm 139:6) and we have to understand that the secret things belong to God (Deuteronomy 29:29). What’s important to know is that God is never changing. God is still in control. It’s in times like this that he stretches our faith and we have the opportunity to exercise faith.
Our God is faithful, even when we are faithless (2 Timothy 2:13). We know the end (Revelation 21:1–4) and we know God’s character (John 3:16). Because we know all these things, we can trust him and live by faith; not by fear.
It is not the time to shirk back, it is the time to exercise faith. John 20:21 says, “Even as the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” In a time like this, God has called his church to respond. The way we respond is by preaching the Gospel to ourselves daily. We need to remind each other that God is still on his throne (Isa. 6:1–7) and that he is with us (Matthew 28:19–20). We need to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1) and we need to be wise and selfless (Jeremiah 29:1–6). We respond by living out the faith we have.
It is well documented that the church is at its best when the world is living in fear. Whether it be the Bubonic Plague, the stock market crashing, or a national tragedy God, has used what Satan means for evil and uses it for good (Genesis 50:20). Instead of living in fear, we must trust the God who provides (Matthew 6:25–34).
I believe the church has a tremendous opportunity to lead in wisdom and faith. I believe we can show people that God has won the war and defeated death. I believe God is teaching us to number our days (Psalm 90) so we can develop an eternal perspective. After all, when you know that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6), what is there to fear?
It’s not the time to live by fear; it’s the time to respond in faith.
