Resist

“…But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him.” (NLT, Daniel 11:32)

I was going to bed a few nights ago, when this scripture came to my mind. I had just been mulling over in my brain all the news about the Coronavirus and was coming to terms with all the information I was hearing.

There was a peace that settled me as I rehearsed the words over and over. I couldn’t remember exactly where the verse was found, so the next day I looked it up. I found it in the Book of Daniel and was reminded of the events that were taking place when it was written. The book of Daniel is considered a historical book and a prophetic book. Daniel, who was carried off into captivity as a young man wrote the book. He had experienced the persecution and chaos personally. In the eleventh chapter Daniel records the reaction of a group of Jews who did not give in to the flatteries and threats imposed on them by an evil ruler. The persecution of the Jews had just reached a tipping point when this evil King took over the Jewish temple, caused the daily sacrifices to stop, and profaned the temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar. But Daniel emphasized that the people who knew their God did not give in to the fear tactics of this evil King, but instead, resisted him!

I realized as I studied and prayed over this verse that there is an evil force coming against us today, but it is not the Coronavirus. (Don’t get me wrong — I have concerns about the virus.) But, I know there is a force that is just as evil and even more paralyzing. That evil force is called “fear!” I know fear firsthand. I know what it can do to you.

The fear of this virus is what is driving us. It causes us to do things we would never do otherwise. ( Have I ever made a 7:00 a.m. run to the grocery store, just in case there might be a few rolls of toilet paper on the shelves? Never…until this morning!!) Who told us that we needed to stash paper products or stock up on cereal and canned goods?

There was no announcement that instructed folks to hoard food or buy multiple cases of hand sanitizers. But the voice was so loud we listened. It was the voice of fear.

Remember, the Bible reminds us that the people “who knew their God” did not give in to the force of evil. They resisted it.

So, today, while we remain vigilant and exercise Godly wisdom, let us also seek to react with calm. (Yes, I am going to continue to search until I find some extra rolls of toilet paper to store, not hoard, in my cabinet.) But I am determined not to be driven by fear! Let us be determined to know our God and realize that we are safe in the arms of our Father.

I guess the next questions to ask is this — Do you know God? I mean, really know Him. I am talking about the kind of knowing that goes beyond the intellect. It’s a knowledge that can only be attained with a personal relationship.

You may be able to quote the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer and the Beatitudes, and still, not really know God. Possibly, you asked the Lord to become your Savior as a young child, but since then you have walked away from your Faith and you no longer walk with God.

If fear is ruling your life right now and you cannot find a place of rest, you can find the peace you are longing for. If fear is driving you to react in panic mode and if you are living in a prison of “what if’s,” please run to Jesus. He is your place of refuge.

Maybe you have never made Jesus the Lord of your life. Please take a moment, and ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins. Ask Him to be your Lord and to adopt you into His Family. Allow Him to take your hand, your heart and your will so you can walk in obedience to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s love to you.

The Bible tells us that “God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we’ve done wrong.” (God’s Word Translation, I John 1:9)

After you confess your sins and begin walking with God, begin to read His word. You will see the expressions of His love in scripture and you will find joy as you rejoice in all He has done for you. (If you find it hard to understand the King James Version of the Bible, explore other versions like the NIV, New Living Translation, or other versions that are translated into language you can understand.)

Run with me into the arms of our Faithful Father. He is a good Father. I have been held by Him for such a long time and in many trying circumstances. I can testify to you that He is trustworthy and He will be your peace.

Finally, I encourage you to take these practical steps to resist fear.

1) Be grateful for every good gift you have been given. (Psalm 136:1, James 1:17)
2) Fight against the urge to fill your mind with hourly news reports about this virus. (Philippians 4:8)
3) Reach out to someone who might need your help. (Philippians 2:4, Romans 12:13)
4) Rest — body, soul and spirit! (Psalm 32:1-2, Psalm 91:1-2)

Let me share with you a favorite scripture, Psalm 34: 1-8 NIV.

“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Run into His arms and find a safe place of refuge. He is good!

If you need prayer, or more information about the steps to becoming a Christian, please reach out to me in the comments section. Be assured that I will pray for you and help you if you need encouragement as you begin a new walk with the Lord.

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