Pastor's Ponderings, February 29, 2016

God Can Even Protect Us From Zika Mosquitoes

What makes you terrified?  What makes you want to go hide under the bed until the monsters go away?   As if we did not have enough problems with global warming, the spread of nuclear weapons, terrorists, a challenging economy, and general mayhem in the land, now we have the Zika virus spread by mosquitoes.  While there may be only a relatively few species of the hundreds of mosquitoes that attack humans, those tiny flying animals may be a harbinger of death, severe birth defects and mental illness.

“The level of alarm is extremely high,” said the head of the World Health Organization on Thursday, describing the spread of Zika virus around the world. As well it should be: The disease, which seems likely to be causing birth defects, could affect millions of people in several dozen countries. And the virus may be on its way into the U.S. As of Friday morning, no fewer than five New York residents have been diagnosed as Zika positive.

Thank God He is in control of our destiny.  He knows what He thinks about us, which is to accomplish everything that concerns His children (Psalm 138:8).  He wants to do the work while letting us simply be willing and obedient to Him and we will get life’s benefits (Isaiah 1:19).  Therefore, God says that we have to choose not to let our hearts be troubled by anything (John 14:1).  We do not have to fear anything because it will not even come near us (Isaiah 54:14). Of course, this does not mean Christians can be careless and travel to the Caribbean without mosquito repellent, but they should not live in fear and instead should walk in God’s wisdom. But, even if we leave this earth, He has a special place for us with Him forever (John 14:2,3).

We can rejoice in His protection and safety. In spite of what the news media says, let us come out from under our beds without fear and know that our God is in control. 

Psalm 138:8
Amplified Bible (AMP)

8 The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me; Your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O Lord, endures forever--Do not abandon the works of Your own hands.

Isaiah 1:19
New International Version (NIV)

19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land;

John 14:1-3
New International Version (NIV)

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Isaiah 54:14
New International Version (NIV)

14 In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.