Pastor's Ponderings, October 20, 2014

Who Is Afraid Of the Big Bad Plague?

In 1918, the Spanish flu killed from fifty to 100 million people according to an article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  In Healthline 2013, an article stated that about 600,000 people in the United States die from heart disease every year. 

Hearing scary health statistics has always provoked terror among many people. A recent article in the New York Times stated, “Across Europe, as in the United States, a virus that, outside Africa, has infected only a handful of people, ... (it) has stirred a wave of alarm that doctors and psychologists say reflects the insecurities of the modern mind far more than any significant danger to public health.” 

Fear of the unknown rather than the actual disease is provoking terror at home and abroad. While it is true that horrible deaths from the Ebola virus have occurred, it is also concerning to see the spread of fear across our country after a few have been infected.

Although we have no idea how this virus will progress both here and abroad we do know that God has prepared us for what lies ahead. The Bible states in various ways that we are not to fear dangerous situations for He will be with us regardless (Joshua 1:9). In the book of Psalms, it states that even though we walk through deadly situations, God will be with us and protect us (Psalm 23:4)

The Bible goes on to say that we are not to be afraid of anything. Even though devastation and destruction surrounds us, we have to keep our focus on the Lord (Psalm 91:3-7).  Even when Job was facing death he stated that his hope was still in God (Job 13:15). The Bible urges us not be afraid or panic because he promises that He is with us (Deuteronomy 31: 6, Isaiah 41:10)

Let's stand together and not fear plagues but place our hope in God.

Joshua 1:9
English Standard Version (ESV)

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 23:4

New International Version (NIV)

4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 91:3-7

New International Version (NIV)

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

Job 13:15

New International Version

15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; …

Deuteronomy 31:6
English Standard Version (ESV)

16 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Isaiah 41:10
English Standard Version (ESV)

10 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.