TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. (Acts 27:25 ESV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• If you’ve somehow missed it in the news, there’s a virus spreading worldwide. Coronavirus. It’s a word that is striking incredible fear in many, and NC just got a first diagnosed case this week.
People are panicking. A friend of mine works at Costco’s corporate headquarters in Washington. On Monday, she texted me pictures from one of the stores in Hawaii. The picture was pure chaos and she said the store had to limit quantities of toilet paper, water, and other items…and still, the shoppers had wiped out the store. Incidentally, as of this morning, to my knowledge, Hawaii hasn’t had a coronavirus diagnosis. This is just panic for the possibility.
Then, on social media, posts about handwashing are being shared. My favorites are the ones that remind people that handwashing is a good idea with or without a pandemic going on… As a germaphobe, I couldn’t agree more. Of course, the absolute best coronavirus meme I’ve seen is the picture of Michael Constantine holding a bottle of Windex. If you don’t know what that means, you need to watch “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”
The panic isn’t necessary. But when survival mode kicks in, people do crazy things.
Let’s go to Acts 27. In this book/chapter, Paul was a prisoner being transported to Italy to have his case heard by Caesar. However, weather conditions were not ideal for sailing. Paul tried to warn the crew but his advice was ignored. A bunch of boating references that I don’t understand later, the crew were throwing things overboard in their fear and panic.
In verse 24, Paul shared about the angel who visited him in the night. The angel told him, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.” But our signature verse is Acts 27:25, when Paul said to the crew, “So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.“
I love these words. So confident! So full of faith and trust! No panic! No hesitation! No doubt!
It reminds me of something a former teacher of mine recently posted on Facebook—“During World War II when Hitler was trying to bomb London off the map, a little Christian lady would consistently sleep through the air raids. When asked how she could do this, she replied, ‘Well, God said He will neither slumber nor sleep, so it’s no use in both of us being awake.’”
God’s not panicked. So we don’t need to be. While no one wants coronavirus, the flu, cancer, a tornado like we saw in Nashville this week, or even a shipwreck as Paul faced—God is still on the throne! He’s still in charge!
I want the same kind of faith of Paul and this Christian woman who slept through the blitz. But I’m still going to wash my hands, but that’s because God gave me common sense.
Today, as you pray, thank God that no matter how dire circumstances may look, we can be confident that He’s still in charge. Thank Him that we don’t need to panic. Ask the Holy Spirit to protect those who are traveling, those who are working in the health care industry, and those who are searching for a cure. Ask Him to help you trust in His sovereignty and rest with unwavering faith.
SHARING ••• Please feel free to comment or share this blog with others. Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. Also, download a free Bible-In-A-Year Reading Plan when you subscribe! ***Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture references are from the ESV translation.
