When a dangerous undertow at our favorite childhood beach pulled my little brother, Ed, under the water and further from the shore, he almost drowned. Inside the vicious swirl of water, an older cousin fought relentlessly yet futilely to free Ed from the monster’s grasp.
Nearby sunbathers and swimmers mocked the cries of my loved ones because they weren’t far from the shore. How could they be drowning?
A young man, unseen by people on the beach, saw my brother and cousin from the second-floor window of his apartment. From a high vantage point, he realized they were in peril.
He ran down the stairs, across the hot sand, and into the salty water risking his life to save my brother.
With hope of rescue, Ed grasped the hand of the stranger. The man who saw the whole situation from above, was a blessing from God.
As we navigate the waters of the Coronavirus, this vicious enemy threatens to ensnare our attention, fill us with fear, and rob us of peace.
Try as we might, we cannot escape the reality of the pandemic. Fighting the onslaught of the virus with knowledge and caution helps protect us. Health professionals and government officials work to stem the tide of this invisible enemy.
However, no human effort can turn fear into peace.
There is One who sees all aspects of our lives from a high vantage point and knows our need for rescue and peace. The Lord Jesus Christ gave His life on Calvary that we might have a personal relationship with God once we confess our sins and surrender our life to Him.
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Romans 10:9-10
He’s holding out His hand to you today. If you don’t know Him, He offers forgiveness of sin and a personal relationship with Him now and throughout eternity.
To believers, He holds out His hand to offer peace and freedom from the undertow of fear.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27
When an overdose of news assails us with facts and predictions, what can we do to focus on the peace of Christ? When we hear of loved ones or others who are sick, how can we respond?
Here are ideas that help me:
- Create a prayer list. Include those who are sick, healthcare workers, and government officials.
- Incorporate physical activity into your schedule. Walk outside or exercise indoors.
- Read Scripture daily and memorize verses about God’s protection and peace. Click the link to see a beautiful gallery of encouragement from my friend, MarilynNutter .
- Share good news you hear in this difficult time. Here are heart-warming stories I’ve heard:
- A neighbor ordered food for a hearing-impaired man who couldn’t call or pay. This act of kindness provided a nutritious meal and gave peace to a gentleman anxious about dinner.
- Two friends of mine made fabric masks for my daughter who is a healthcare worker. The masks gave her an extra level of protection and lessened her fear.
- With quantity limits and short supplies, one shopper purchased an item another person needed which relieved anxiety and resulted in gratitude.
- A teacher friend spent eight hours today helping students via email. She cleared up misunderstandings and explained new content so the education of her students could continue.
- My neighbor delivered groceries to an elderly couple relieving their fear of leaving home to shop.
- Sunday School class members mailed restaurant gift cards to a lady who broke her leg enabling family members to purchase carry-out plates.
God offers peace to defeat the undertow of fear, and He allows us to minister peace to others.
Please share how you seek peace from God or good news you’ve heard about people reaching out to others.
Bible verses are from the ESV.