Fear: a present day reality like none other anyone living at this time has ever seen. I realize there have been historical times and events that have caused a state of fear, even verging on panic, to grip the minds and hearts of man, but none in the lifetime of most living today. As the world faces this pandemic, perhaps it would be a good time to remind ourselves of a few important truths.

First, it would be a good time to remember this life is not all there is. Eternity looms before each of us. Our decisions here and now will determine our eternal future. Actually, one decision will determine each individual’s eternal destiny. We would do well to be reminded of the words of Jesus Christ:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

The statement is simple, yet profound. There are many religions in the world, all teaching some process by which man might attain heaven. All others are based on the teachings of some religious leader who lived, died, and was buried. The Bible teaches that Jesus, too, lived, died and was buried. The one major difference is that those other religious leaders are still in their graves: bodies decaying, corroding, corrupting. Jesus, however, rose from the dead after three days and nights in the grave. His resurrection establishes His authority to make the statement quoted above. No other religious leader has/had the authority to save anyone, because they could not even save themselves. So, let’s remember that we have a living Savior: Jesus Christ. Putting our trust in Him minimizes our fear of anything and everything we might encounter as we go through life.

Second, let’s give our attention to another comforting promise of Jesus:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe in also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.”

John 14:1-3

It is vital that we remember the context in which Jesus made this statement. He is only hours away from His betrayal, arrest, trials, false accusations, beating, and crucifixion. If anyone ever had the right to have a troubled heart, it would have been Jesus as He faced His impending suffering and death. Instead, He endeavors to prepare His disciples for the coming hours, days, weeks, months and years. How could they carry on after His death? Their hopes were in Him, and their belief that He would establish an earthly kingdom of which they would all have prominent roles. They did not yet understand Jesus’ teachings of the kingdom of God. It would not be until after Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection that they would understand the spiritual implications of His promise.

The lesson we must learn from this episode in Jesus’ life is that in light of His own impending suffering and death, He spoke a message of hope. Hope that would be a reality for His disciples then, and to His disciples now.

Third, we need to consider the gravity of another statement Jesus made:

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

John 16:33

Again, the context is the night before Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion. He was preparing His followers for the reality of suffering in this life. Our hope – our one and only hope – is found in His words: I have conquered the world. Do you see the contrast in His words? To the onlooking world, it did not appear as if Jesus had conquered the world, but was rather conquered by the world. Jesus was exhibiting His own belief that His impending suffering and death would settle the victory for those who would believe, even in the midst of personal times of suffering.

Suffering is part of the human experience. Very few live life free from any form of suffering. I realize that Jesus was speaking primarily of the suffering His followers would experience at the hands of an unbelieving world. However, it goes far beyond that to encompass any and all forms of suffering, which would, of course, include world-wide pandemics. Based on this, we should maintain a level of faith in the sovereign God of the universe, realizing that the Coronavirus did not catch God off-guard.

Fifth, and finally, let’s direct our attention to one final statement from Jesus:

“Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer affliction for ten days. Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

Revelation 2:10

Let’s listen carefully to these most powerful words from our Lord. We will suffer. The suffering at times will be intense, even to the point that we feel we cannot survive. But let’s learn a couple of important truths from these words. First, Jesus does not lessen the reality of suffering, but rather tells us to expect it. However, we are to also understand that the suffering is limited. We learn that from the reference to ten days – a limited period of time. Second, Jesus admonishes to remain faithful, even to the point of death. We are not to allow circumstances, no matter how gloom, to cause us to lose faith. We are to look above the trial, through the eyes of faith, and see that God is on His throne, and cannot be moved. He is steadfast and true. And finally, Jesus will give us the crown of life. No matter what we suffer in this life, even to the point of our physical death, we are safe in the arms of our Lord.

In conclusion let me say that I am in no way encouraging anyone to live recklessly. We are given common sense to care for ourselves. But, we are called us to be light in the midst of darkness. The world needs to see people of faith living life courageously, shining the light of His love and grace into that penetrating darkness. But always remember: darkness cannot overcome the light. So, let’s shine on for His glory, and remember:

“[because] everyone who has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith.”

1 John 5:4