Pandemic

Did you know there’s a pandemic occurring right now because of COVID-19? Of course, you do. Everyone is aware. My question is, how are you handling it?

Are you one of those people who panicked and went and selfishly purchased more than you really needed and left a shortage for others who are needing items such as, toilet paper, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, eggs, bread, rice, water, etc.?

Below are a couple of scriptures regarding Greed and Selfishness:

• Proverbs 15:27– The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.
• Proverbs 28: 25-28– A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched. Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse. When the wicked rise, people hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.
• Haggai 1:9– “You expected much but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the LORD almighty. “Because my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy withheld their dew and the earth its crops.
• Romans 2:8– But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
• Luke 12:15– Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

The media has gone above and beyond to make sure that this virus caused panic in people. And guess what? We failed. We failed ourselves. We failed our neighbors. We failed our needy. Why? Because we panicked. Because we thought of only ourselves. Because we became fearful of the unknown.

Below are a couple of scriptures on Fear and Worry:

• Luke 12: 22– Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Therefor I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.”
• Jeremiah 17: 7-8– But Blessed is the one who trust in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
• 2 Timothy 1:7– God did not give us a Spirit of Fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
• Isaiah 41:10– So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
• Psalm 34:4– I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
• Proverbs 29:25– Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
• 1 Peter 5:7– Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
• Philippians 4:6-7– Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

I read on Facebook that some of the animal shelters were at their max capacity due to animal owners surrendering them “incase” their animals get the virus. I don’t know about you, but my dog is like my child and I wouldn’t give my child up “incase” they contracted any virus, muchless one that has a 97% survival rate.

Kids are out of school and will likely not be returning for the remainder of the school year. What are y’all doing? Educational sessions or letting them fry their brain with electronics? Send them outside to play. Let them use their imagination. Give them a paper and colors and let them draw. Here’s an idea…read to them and let them read to you.

Now, is the time to slow down and go back to how it used to be with families. Play boardgames. Watch movies. Teach them. Just enjoy this moment. Most of all, pray and put God first in all things, and DO NOT FEAR.