Time for that big hot topic: coronavirus. Travel is being affected, schools, and businesses are closing, hospitals are overwhelmed. What does all of that mean for The World Race? 1) The World Race is still happening. 2) Adventures in Missions is keeping an eye on the conditions in the various countries and will adapt the route if necessary. They aren’t going to put us in an extremely dangerous situation. They already changed the route from going to China to going to Taiwan.
The coronavirus is in the US at this point. It isn’t something that’s only happening in other countries. While people should absolutely be careful, that doesn’t mean we should stop doing everything. If we stopped really living our lives, would we really ever spread the Gospel? We can’t run from every threat and concern. Use caution. Be smart. But don’t completely put your life on hold.
Jesus didn’t run from those who were sick. He healed them! During that time period, lepers were basically shunned and were separated from the community. But did Jesus shun them? No! He healed at least one leper.
Matthew 8:2-3 (NLT):
“Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him [Jesus] and knelt before him. ‘Lord,’ the man said, ‘if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.’ Jesus reached out and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’ And instantly the leprosy disappeared.’”
Do doctors and nurses run when a patient has the flu, pneumonia, or something else? They probably don’t want to get sick, but that doesn’t keep them from doing their jobs. If they have a cure for the illness, shouldn’t they offer it to people? Christians have the cure for so much, and we can’t let fear stop us from sharing that cure.
When we go to spread the Gospel, we should go in faith. Many different things could happen, but we trust that God will take care of us. Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
We shouldn’t be afraid. We struggle with fear, and God knows that. But that doesn’t mean we should be afraid. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Why are we scared of a tiny virus that we can’t see with the naked eye when God is bigger than the entire universe? It’s because we’re human. As imperfect humans we experience fear, but we shouldn’t let that stop us. God has us covered. We are supposed to share the Gospel and let people know that. People live in fear, and we have the key to relieve that. Shouldn’t we take that news to others?
Again, I’m not saying we shouldn’t be careful, but we shouldn’t let fear stop us from spreading the Gospel and sharing God’s love. I’m a servant of God. If I end up with the coronavirus, that doesn’t change. Don’t let fear take over your life. Trust God and let Him know when you’re struggling with fear. God bless, everyone!
