April 5, 2020

Conquering Fear with Faith: A Response to the Coronavirus Crisis

By Maria Fontaine

As I’m sure we all are aware, the major event happening in most places around the globe is the coronavirus (COVID-19). There is a great deal of fear, but the biggest question that most are asking is what to do about it. Peter and I have been praying fervently against this virus, and we have been praying for you.

As His children, you are well versed in what to do in times of trouble. Through many years of difficulties, we have discovered many things about Jesus’ nature and how He works. He has taught us how to deal with natural disasters, war, pestilence, civil disruption, misfortune, loss, tragedy, troubles, and impossible situations.

No matter what challenge or struggle we faced, as we have come to Him time after time for His counsel in both our personal situations and in regard to world situations, He has been there for us, giving us what we needed to make it through and to also be a blessing to others.

We know that things in the world are waxing worse and worse. With Jesus as our personal counselor and guide, we are prepared. We have what it takes for our own personal circumstances, and we have what it takes to be a comfort and encouragement to others.

It can be a scary situation, not just the thought of our loved ones or ourselves contracting the virus, but all the other difficulties that could come along with this pandemic: perhaps losing a job or savings, or not being able to travel on some important trip, or being separated from loved ones, or not being able to acquire certain needs, or anticipating other difficulties.

These things are very real for many right now, and if they impact our lives, they do cause setbacks and suffering. There may be fear on every side, and in the natural, it does look like there is a valid reason for fear. But we, His children, dwell in the secret place of the Most High, nestled in His arms, where He is going to keep us safe.

We may feel the effects of the storm and the heavy winds and the waves, but He says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”¹

Peter and I wanted to know if our dear Jesus had any instruction for us. We know that He’s the only one who knows the bigger picture and outcomes of this particular situation and can help us understand what we each need to do.

* * *

(Jesus:) The first step is to not allow fear to enter into your decision-making. Many news reports are designed to grab people’s attention and to be as sensational as possible. The reader or listener can easily panic and then make quick, unbalanced, fear-based decisions that don’t take into account as many facts as possible.

What does My Word tell you to do when faced with something that makes you feel afraid? Aren’t you instructed to turn to Me, your God, and place yourself under My protection? As you commit every care, concern, or fear to Me, I will bring peace to your heart.

Ask Me to lead you in your decision-making regarding what reasonable steps to take or not take. There may be many things that you are required by authorities to do or not do, but over and above those, I can guide you to ways to stay safe and to still be a blessing to others.

You may be tempted at times to fear. But no matter what you face, place your trust in Me. Claim My promises to keep you as you look to Me to guide you in every way.

I’m still in ultimate control, and nothing is going to happen to you that is contrary to My will and promises. The enemy has no power to touch you even in the slightest without My permission.

Don’t allow fear, worry, or panic to overwhelm you. Quiet your mind. Pray and commit all things to Me. Meditate on My Word. Listen to My still small voice. Then walk in faith and trust in Me as you do what you can, practically speaking.

I will carry you through no matter what difficulties you face. You’ll come through both the difficult and the wonderful things of this life wiser and stronger in My Spirit. Take things one day at a time, and I will be with you through each test and trial, giving you grace and peace.

* * *

(Jesus:) Life can give you cause to fear, but when times like this come, My Word provides the right perspective. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.”²

As you look to Me, I can help you to find the right balance between walking circumspectly in order to know what is going on around you, and seeking Me to know how to respond to what you see. It’s important to avoid extreme reactions, because they can lead to more harm than the core problem would.

If you are responding out of fear, this will only debilitate you and keep you from doing much to help others. It will block your witness instead of allowing you to be an example of faith and trust in times of trouble.

You must guard against allowing fear to overwhelm your faith, as that not only promotes panic and fear in your own heart and mind, but in the minds of others you are in contact with. Remember that My perfect love casts out fear. Pray, take reasonable precautions, and don’t cease to trust Me and demonstrate My love and mercy and faith in everything you do.

As you look to Me, I can keep you in perfect peace.³ Trust Me that you are under the shadow of My wings. You do need to heed what you are required to do by the authorities, but beyond that, there are practical, balanced steps you can take to be a reflection of My love.

In spite of the dangers that arise in any situation, you can trust Me to keep you. I’m not going to bring you into heaven until I know that your tasks on earth are done! A virus doesn’t—and can’t—override My will for your life. It’s that simple!

Put your faith and trust in Me, not in what seem to you like the best outcomes. If your faith is in getting what looks best to you, then it can crumble and fail, because you don’t always know what is best. Put your faith in Me, the One who loves you with a perfect love, the One who alone knows what will bring the best for you in every situation.

I am your help in time of trouble.

If you step back and ask Me to show you the reality, the truth can have a chance to balance the panic and allow you to make wise choices that bring benefits. Wisdom and panic never work together. Be wise, be prayerful, walk circumspectly. And, above all, trust Me.

As you find that place of peace in your own heart, be the voice of My wisdom to others. Help them to experience the comfort of My Spirit! Share the truth of My salvation, so that they can find My peace in the midst of the storm, and hope when it seems that everything has fallen apart.

* * *

Music lifts me into His presence in powerful ways. Songs like those on the album “Fear Not”⁴ or the song “Peace in the Midst of the Storm” remind us that we’re never alone in times of trouble because we have His promises and His presence to keep us.

I find the words to the song “Peace, Be Still,” sung by Lauren Daigle, to be one of those songs that brings peace to our hearts. Here are some of the lyrics and a couple of links to versions of this song in case you’d like to listen to it.

I don’t want to be afraid
Every time I face the waves
I don’t want to fear the storm
Just because I hear it roar
Peace be still
Say the word and I will
Set my feet upon the sea
Till I’m dancing in the deep
Peace be still

You are here so it is well
Even when my eyes can’t see
I will trust the voice that speaks
I’m not gonna be afraid
‘Cause these waves are only waves

I’m not gonna fear the storm
You are greater than its roar
I’m not gonna fear the storm
I’m not gonna fear at all

Let faith rise up
Oh heart believe
Let faith rise up in me
Let faith rise up
Oh heart believe
Let faith rise up in me
You are here so it is well
Even when my eyes can’t see
I will trust the voice that speaks
Peace, peace over me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUpKZz0Nm7c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa1UdfpcSuQ

¹ Isaiah 41:10 KJV.

² Psalm 46:1–3 KJV.

³ Isaiah 26:3.

⁴ The “Fear Not” album can be found here: https://www.nubeat.org/abfnt.html.

Posted in: comfort, faith, maria fontaine, mission, peace