Pestilence Confronted: Fear or Trust

Right now the Covid virus infections in the USA and other countries seem to be increasing again and it is causing people to be even more fearful than previously. Is it because they are now weary from months of Covid reports and stories of people suffering and dying? Perhaps, but it is odd that fear is rising just as the vaccine is becoming available. Logically you might think just the opposite; that hope was rising because vaccines will soon be available. Maybe it is the unrelenting government warnings and mostly negative news reports.

This situation makes me consider my own response to Covid or any trouble or trial that I experience. The Psalmist writes:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (the world), I will fear no evil because your rod and staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

Is that me? Is my first reaction to trouble faith in God (trust) or fear of it? Do I trust God to care for me and answer my prayer for help and deliverance? Is my ultimate fate resting in God’s hands by simple trust or am I uncertain of my eternal fate? Ultimately my faith in God must be my trust in God. I am not saved by a perfect belief, understanding or knowledge of Scripture and doctrine. I am saved and delivered by trusting God and being willing to act upon that trust. The Greek word for faith means trust. Start replacing the word faith with trust as you read the New Testament and see how this transforms your life and your view of trials and troubles in life—especially at work.

You and I are actually walking through the “valley of the shadow of death.” Belief in something is not enough. Belief will breakdown and ultimately let you down. Your neighbors believe in lots of good things but they are filled with fear and discouragement. Trust in God for all good things.

Blessings,
Jim

Global Prayer Points

As we seek to see our marketplace transformed by the Gospel, join us in prayer this week for the following requests from our Global Leadership. 

Africa: Pray for greater Kingdom impact through CBMC in Kasoa, Ghana and for our CBMC Nigeria brothers and sisters during this difficult time of unrest. Pray for the translation teams working on translating Operation Timothy into Portuguese and Arabic.

Asia/Pacific: Pray for the translation of Operation Timothy to Khmer, the language of Cambodia.

Europe: Specific prayer requests can be sent to [email protected]

Latin America: Pray for good follow-up from the Transcende 2020 virtual conference hosted earlier by CBMC Mexico and the speakers from Latin America.
 
North America: Pray for establishing an e-CBMC (next generation) in North America Korean CBMC. Pray that Christian leaders would take the challenge to lead other leaders who need Jesus.

If you have a prayer request, please send an email to CBMC International.