Choose - A "Chosen" Response to the Coronavirus
Unprecedented events are taking the world by surprise as the rise of the Coronavirus (CoVid-19) makes its ungodly path around the world.
The Silicon Valley, where I live and pastor, is one of the hardest-hit areas in the USA. Measures taken by state and local officials are unparalleled in scope and magnitude.
As followers of Jesus, how do we respond to all of this? What measures do we take to be both full of faith, wise and responsible?
In these seasons we are challenged at the core with what we REALLY believe. As our anxiety and uncertainty increases, our theology is tested.
It's easy to believe when things are comfortable, convenient and cushy but when a "pandemic" is impacting the world, insecurities, fears, and doubt creep in, and in many, take over.
With things changing by the day, and new security measures heaped upon us from "social distancing" to "Shelter-In-Place" orders, the closure of schools, businesses, retail outlets and more, you have to sit down for a second and ask, "what in the world is going on?"
As I was considering this, the verse in Joshua 24:15 jumped into my spirit, "CHOOSE this day whom you will serve". I was a bit startled by this but soon realized that I have a choice lying before me. Whatever I choose to believe, I will serve.
Right now we have a choice and that choice determines what we will serve and bow our knee to. Do I cave into the "pandemic" around the world, or do I position myself to take a stand, raise a standard, bind and loose as Christ's Ekklesia?
Choosing to believe God and His Word doesn't ignore the facts. Faith isn't ignorant. Faith denies the influence of the facts in my life. A diagnosis doesn't determine the scope of its influence in my life, it directs me on where to apply godly faith and positions me on how to pray.
Fear can hold us hostage to what is seen. Faith takes us higher and anchors itself in the unseen.
2 Cor. 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Here is a list of what I'm "choosing" and I invite you to join me. You might want to create your own list. Please do! Release these as daily declarations. Pass them on by sharing this post on your social media channels and networks. More to come with added scripture support.
I Choose Faith Over Fear.
I Choose Worship over Worry.
I Choose God’s Word over Global News.
I Choose Responding to the Father over Reacting to the devil.
I Choose Trust over Anxiety.
I Choose Peace over Panic.
I Choose Hope over Despair.
I Choose Joy over Discouragement.
I Choose God's Wisdom over Human Wisdom.
I Choose Community over Isolation.
I Choose Mercy over Judgement.
I Choose God's Kingdom over Human Government.
I Choose God’s Power over Man’s Wisdom.
I Choose Life over Death.
Your Comments: Could you add one or more to this list, and/or offer your thoughts and input, take a minute and add them to the comments area below.