Conquering Corona Virus Fears
All people are like grass and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.
~Isaiah 40:8 NIV
God breathed air into my lungs while I was walking along the beach, struggling with my children’s futures, as our lives had suddenly changed.
My family’s lives were turned upside-down by fear of contracting COVID. We sheltered in place, going out for necessities only, and then wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Until the virus passed, this would become our new normal. I felt like my children’s senior year was being snatched from them. Learning online was a challenge, as was committing to colleges.
Never before in modern history had there been so much talk of uncertainty around the world. This was not how my children planned to prepare for college and their futures. They were in shock, scared, frustrated, sad and they felt cheated. They missed their friends and teachers. My heart broke for my children. I felt as if they were robbed of their glory days.
I found myself overcome with sadness as I contemplated how we would navigate these new waters. Then the Lord spoke to me as the waves crashed on the sandy beach. He reminded me this was temporary, while our faith in Him was eternal. This too would pass. God was in control and He was faithful.
And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’”
~2 Chronicles 20:15 NKJV
I felt we were in a global war against the Corona virus. Even so, we could draw from the waters of hope by remembering God has a plan for each of us, and as we seek His will, He leads us. No matter what we are facing, the battle belongs to Him; not to us. My children needed to figure out their own destiny with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I needed to walk in faith, being certain God would breathe life into each of us, just as He also cares for the grass and flowers, and every part of His creation.
I created this poem to center my thoughts: Empathy. Will it be the death of me? My mind is swirling. My heart is aching. My eyes are tearing. My soul is searching. I cry. I pray. I seek. I wonder why…. Sinking deeper and deeper I see the signs. I find my resolve. I start to climb. God You are my Keeper. Empathy. I must be strong for thee. God, I put my trust in Thee.
Friend, God will guide you through uncertain times just as He has guided my family. Put your trust in the One who will lead you through, and who has a plan no matter what tough times you face.
How do you maintain faith during uncertain times?
Father God, guide me especially in uncertain times. Thank You for being my Rock and my Fortress. Help me to guide my children to look to You at all times.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Genre: Non-fiction
Copyright 2020: Empathy: Author Maria T. Henriksen: All Rights Reserved