Give Faith, Not Fear, The Upper Hand

II.

ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH GIVING FEAR THE UPPER HAND IS THAT IT CAUSES US TO FOCUS ONLY ON OURSELVES.

That’s what we saw in the panic buying which swept our nation. That’s why fights broke out in some places over grabbing up supplies. That’s why hoarding robbed others of the chance to provide for their needs. That’s why greed in some exploited our fears, buying up supplies and trying to sell them at exorbitant prices.

Faith, on the other hand, focusing on God rather than our fears, enables us to focus on others’ needs, not just our own. It allows compassion and generosity to rise up. Like medical professionals and first-responders working to combat the disease; food pantry workers distributing food to needy persons.

When we practice compassion and generosity, we pray for those who may be affected by this disease. We recognize that we are not alone in our need for food and supplies — and instead of hoarding all that we can, we buy reasonably, perhaps even share with others from what we have.

Compassion and generosity result from focusing on faith, rather than on our fear.

III.

AND SOMETHING ELSE FAITH CAN DO, RATHER THAN FEAR — IT HELPS US TO BE SPIRITUALLY WELL.

Fear tears us down — faith lifts us up.

Fear focuses on the problem — faith looks for the solution.

Fear discourages and defeats us — faith says, “I am more than conqueror through God who loves me” — (Romans 8:37)

Fear says, “I am overcome, there is no hope” — faith says: “I will be still and know that God is God.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed and the mountains fall into the sea. For the Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Let’s be a people of faith rather than fear through all of this.

I want to close with a prayer which I came across recently on the internet from "The Catholic Crusade" (https://youtu.be/2z2SzR1uddI). It is not original to me, but it expresses so well the concerns of our hearts during this time of crisis.

CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages curing every disease and illness. At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love. Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care. Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another. Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.

Lord Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow. Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal presence. Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.

Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.