Have you ever looked at a ship and wondered how it doesn’t sink?
In a body of water that could swallow it up, the ship remains above the waves because that’s how it was built. The very thing that is was made for (rising above the water), was also the very thing that could take it down if that same water were to consume the ship.
Isn’t that how we were designed?
We were designed for a Kingdom that’s above this world.
We were created in the image of God to reflect His peace that passes all understanding and keeps our minds and hearts focused on Him as we look UP.
But what happens to a boat when it begins to leak?
When it lets the smallest bit of water in that it was made to rise above?
That smallest amount of water can sink the entire ship if the leak is not dealt with.
The smallest amount of water can sink even the strongest of ships.
When Jesus called Peter to walk on water and come to Him, Peter stepped out in faith and began to walk on the water that he was meant to sink in, but because he kept his eyes on Jesus, he did not sink.
But the moment Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink.
He began to let what was around him impact what was happening inside him (Matthew 14:22-23).
As I looked in our fridge this morning, I was tempted to only see what we didn’t have. With social media, texts, and people everywhere raging about the COVID-19 “Coronavisius”, I allowed anxiety to flood the place where Jesus had given me peace moments before.
“People are acting crazy! We will never be able to get what we need at the store because everyone is doomsday prepping for COVID-19 ‘Coronavirus’, and stocking up on items they don’t even need,” I thought to myself.
But doesn’t God call us to do the very opposite?
To look outward, not inward?
Doesn’t God call us to give without greed, to sacrifice, and to love?
To look at how we can HELP instead of how can we HOARD?
In times of disorder and chaos, it’s important to cling to and stand on the promises of God for our community, families, and loved ones.
My spirit ached as I read the words from a respectable doctor as he said, “knowledge is power.”
That shook my spirit because it sounded too familiar.
That’s because ~6,000 years ago, in the garden of Eden, the same serpent that is rampant in our world today came to Eve. The enemy tempted her, and blinded her eyes to the promises of God, replacing them with lies and deception, a perverted truth of what God had already spoken to her.
“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.
And for the very first time, sin entered the world, and mankind was deceived.
But God had a redemptive plan for all mankind.
His name is Jesus.
So, how would Jesus respond to COVID-19 or the “Coronavirus”?
Did you know that the word CORONA is literally translated to “a symbol on the body resembling or likened to a crown”?
The enemy would love for us to give this virus authority to frighten and take us down through our own words, fears, and paranoia. To willingly welcome fear to the point of allowing paralysis in our bodies, poverty to our nation, and panic in our homes and community as COVID-19, the “coronavirus”, spreads.
But ONLY JESUS is the King on the Earth!
Even if this virus temporarily affects our health and finances, we belong to another King and an eternal Kingdom. In God’s ever-present Kingdom and economy, there is more than enough to GIVE, and more than enough to SUSTAIN. There is joy, fearlessness, courage, hope, abundance, and most of all LOVE. A hope that nothing, not even COVID-19 can rob us from.
You are given the opportunity on this day to reflect your true citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven!
Don’t be intimidated by this virus, COVID-19, even if it holds a temporary crown over the media, government, and millions of homes across the nation. Instead, hear God saying to your spirit:
“Crown ME today, choose today who you will serve, trust My still small voice in the midst of the chaos.
Look to Me when you don’t understand. Let My promises produce more in you than the panic of this world.”
Another definition of the word CORONA is “a glowing circle of light around an object. You can see the Sun’s corona during a total solar eclipse.” Instead of giving this virus authority to reak havoc in your home, use it as a chance to reveal areas of darkness, (much like a solar eclipse) and expose the true light of Jesus to those who may be walking around you. Show them there is a GREATER POWER than the panic, and His Name is Jesus!
Jesus, to which every name, even COVID-19 or the Coronavisius WILL bow!
Jesus is the one thing that never changes even when the world is in the mayhem. Even when COVID-19 hits, and schools, and community staples continue to close. As you wash your hands and do all the practical things to stay healthy and stock your fridge, don’t forget to FIRST cleanse your spirit in the promises of God’s word!
What scripture are you standing on today as you cleanse your heart with the Word of God? We’d love for you to share or comment below!
Revelation 3:11
I am coming quickly; hold fast to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.James 1:12
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial. He will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to consume your mind so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation. Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.Phillippians 4:1
So, my dearly loved brothers, those whom I long to see, [who are] my [reason for] being glad and [who are] my crown of victory; stand firm in [your devotion to] the Lord, my dear ones.
May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind as you remain faithful to be a haven of hope for those who don’t know Jesus.
Thank you for this ! What an amazing new way to look at the word CORONA! Instead of panicking I will stand on the promises of God!