Overcoming

I am struck with the arrogance of humans. We think we can overcome any difficulty. Nothing is impossible to us. We are so indoctrinated with the concept of invincibility, just to write this seems immoral. The truth is, there are many things that we have absolutely no control over. The world is waking up to the fact that the Covid 19 is just one of them.

Michael Osterholm, an Infectious disease expert says, “people liken the corona virus as a blizzard, but we need to think of it as a winter.” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the USA House Oversight Committee, “The bottom line: It is going to get worse”.

Some experts are suggesting everyone will get it. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany said, “Given a virus for which there is no immunity and no immunization, we have to understand that many people will be infected. The consensus among experts is that 60 to 70 percent of the population will be infected”. The hope is we don’t get it all at the same time – hence the quarantine strategy.

As a Christian, what should be my strategy? What should be our message? I believe God will give us wisdom.

We need to implement the safety measures being asked of us, (buying toilet paper only is not one of them) such as staying away from large crowds and washing hands frequently. Be prepared for two weeks should you become ill, such as fill prescriptions for an extra month, have some extra food at home, and stock up on cleaning supplies. If you are feeling sick, call 8-1-1 and check it out and stay home until you are sure all is well.

However, I do not think we should live in fear. When we have the hope of eternity in our hearts, death is not a foe, but a friend. We think we can beat death by our own strength. It will never happen. But Jesus can beat death! He conquered the grim reaper, broke the chains of the grave and lives forever. He promises eternal life to us if we will humble ourselves and repent of our pride and arrogance.

Moses instructs us, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." (Exodus 15:26) The most important commandments according to Jesus was to: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38  This is the first and greatest commandment. 39  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39) We love him, he loves us, there is a relationship here that will protect us from sickness and disease. We can trust God to care for us, whether we live or die, we are overcomers. This is the theme that the Apostle raises regarding our relationship with God. Here it is. Romans 8:35-39 (NIV) 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." 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, 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.”

I believe this is a great opportunity for the Church to shine. Because of the Love of God, regardless of the  dire predictions, we can live without fear.

This Sunday, I am going to be sharing on Victorious Living, being an Overcomer. An important message considering the world events today. Invite a friend and learn to live Victoriously as an Overcomer.

Jim Reimer, Pastor

March 12, 2020