I went to Costco last week, list in hand, for my usual bi-monthly order. I did what people often do when they go to Costco – bought lots of stuff not on my list. It was impulse shopping at its best.
When I got to the back of the store (you know where this is going), to buy toilet paper and tissue, the shelves were empty. Nothing but a stack of paper towels. I heard a Costco employee tell someone he had 195 pallets of toilet paper the morning before and they sold out in 24 hours. The coronavirus fear had struck.
I have heard a few conspiracy theories lately about what is going on in the media with this virus outbreak. I, too, am a conspiracy theorist … I believe there is a conspiracy to see fear thriving in our world. The participants in this conspiracy are the world, our flesh, and the devil. They conspire to create fear. They want everyone frozen, afraid to do anything.
When that kind of fear surges up and strikes, it can even invade the church striking believers who should be fearless. Peter wrote to believers, “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” [1 Peter 3:14-15a NIV]
And yes, we should be fearless. We serve a great God. He is all-powerful. No matter how many conspire together against Him and His own, they will not prevail. Jesus Christ is LORD, and we sit with Him in heavenly places. Considering that, why are we afraid?
Peter reminded his readers after he told them not to fear that we should “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” [v15b]
FEAR may be a powerful four-letter word, but HOPE is even more powerful.
