The early church may not have faced a worldwide flu pandemic. They did, however, face a massive famine and persecution. The Apostle Paul wrote heavily into these environments. His message to the church was not:

Dear Church,

Do not be afraid because Rome is only killing ___% of us. Your chances of dying from persecution or the famine are really very low in the big scheme of things.

Love,

Paul

His message was much more theological than that. It was centered on the finished work of Jesus Christ. Let me show you these words from Romans 8:

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul believed that, especially in times of crisis, a heart focused on the love of God would settle our anxieties. Perfect love casts out fear. It is true. There is something uniquely powerful about basking in God’s love for us, demonstrated through the work of Jesus, that begins to quiet us in the middle of the storm.

Many of us are going to end up with a bit more time on our hands during this crisis. Can I suggest an idea? Don’t spend all that time reading the news, spend some time reading passages about God’s love. Passages like:

Romans 8

Ephesians 2:4-5

I John 3: 1-3

John 3:16

Galatians 2:20

Paul also believed that a heart focused on the resurrection would calm our nerves. The resurrection of Jesus is historical fact, but it is more than that. It is a historical fact that is transferred to us through faith. In other words, because Jesus rose from the dead, I will raise from the dead. Because He conquered, I conquer. Because He lives forever, I will live forever. Understanding that the resurrection is for me is huge in diminishing fear.

Notice Paul’s strategy. It is not to make small their fear, it is to make big their God. To make big their God’s love for them. To make big their savior’s resurrection. In making God big, their fear did decrease, they were filled with courage, and they walked faithfully.

Based on all that, this is my heart on the matter:

Dear Church,

One thing is certain, we live in uncertain times. The past week has proven that again and again. Uncertainty can lead us toward fear, anxiety, and panic. I am writing to remind you of some things you can stand on and some truths that are certain. Among them are:

God’s love for you.

God’s power and strength promised to you via the Holy Spirit.

The resurrection promise transferred to every person of faith.

God’s unending presence with you as you face difficult times.

Keep God big, especially in this season, and be amazed at what He does to calm your fear. Be wise, but don’t be afraid!

In Christ,

Steve

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