THE PERFECT STORM

                                               THE PERFECT STORM

Why is it that sometimes the most dangerous things that surround us are things that we cannot see?  Can we see the wind?  No, we cannot see it but we can feel it and see what it causes by seeing the movement that it creates in the trees and earth and living things that move because of it.  It can be devastating like a tornado or a hurricane.

How is it that a powerful country or countries can be brought to their knees when a virus, that cannot be seen by the naked eye, invades a country through unwilling hosts that may not even know that this uninvited pathogen is dwelling inside of someone unseen until it rears its ugly head.

There are vaccines and medicine to combat disease and we should all be aware of protecting ourselves from this contagion.  But how many of us are protecting ourselves against the unseen of the demonic world that seeks to attack our souls at every turn.

I believe that the COVID-19 virus is the enemy from the pit of hell that is attacking the world with fear.  Fear, more than anything else is the driving force of this virus more so than the virus itself.  Actually, it has been stated by the medical profession that fear, in and of itself, can actually weaken the immune system.  So is fear working hand in hand with this virus and probably having more of an impact on the situation we are facing now?  Are many of the media and politicians also instigating this fear for evil reasons?

In the Word of God it says,

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 | NIV |

For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.

Isaiah 41:13 | NIV |

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 118:6 | NIV |

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18 | NIV |

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4 | NIV |

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:8 | NIV

There are more than 365 verses in the Bible about fear.  It’s as if God has given us a verse for each and every day.

We need to start taking the authority that we have received, through Jesus Christ, at the cross.  We need not surrender to the corona virus.  It is not of God.  Let us not panic because we know that God is in control.  We need to pray and trust God. 

The evil one, the enemy, has used this corona virus as a “perfect storm” to cause people to be afraid.  How convenient that Churches are closing their doors to decrease the spread of the virus!  We should be praying together and not let the enemy dictate what we should and should not do!!

Church arise and come against this virus!!  Yes we should use common sense but we need not be afraid.  Fear is the fuel that is fueling this with something so microscopic that it cannot be seen with the naked eye.  Let’s also realize that evil things that are not seen are there to instigate fear but we, as Christians, need to take a stand and not fear because in Psalm 91:5-6 it says, “You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day.  Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.  Psalm 91:9-10, “Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, There shall no evil befall you, nor an y plague or calamity come near your tent.”  (Everyday Life Bible, Amp.)

A Daily Prayer for Protection

Lord God, I pray for Your protection as I begin this day. You are my hiding place, and under Your wings I can always find refuge. Protect me from trouble wherever I go, and keep evil far from me. No matter where I am, I will look to You as my Protector, the One Who fights for me every day. Your love and faithfulness, along with Your goodness and mercy, surround me daily, so I will not fear whatever might come against me. My trust is in You, God, and I give thanks to You for Your love and protection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Prayer for Good Health and Protection from Harm

We bless You, Lord, for You are our Jehovah Rapha, the Healer of all our diseases. Our body is the temple of Your Spirit, so we pray for protection from that which could bring harm to us physically. Guard us from stresses that steal our emotional strength and lower our immunity to fight infection. Heal us of past traumas that may affect our present or future health. Teach us how to discipline our bodies so we can grow stronger and increase our physical stamina. When challenges arise, we need not fear, for You have given us a spirit of power, of love, and a sound mind.

As the Great Physician, You know us so well. You ordained every part of our body even before we were born. Help us to treat our bodies with respect as Your beloved creations. We want to serve You with excellence, so in our weakness, grant us strength and good health so that nothing will prevent Your plan for our lives. Protect us from contagions and disease that can riddle the body and bring dangerous results. Safeguard us with wisdom to use well the rest You provide as we wait on You and with You daily. Our lives and our health are in Your hands, Lord, and our trust and faith are in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

• Rebecca Barlow Jordan www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com