My Take on the Coronavirus by Lisa Burkhardt Worley

With all the concern about the Coronavirus, it would be easy to become paralyzed with fear.

No more travel.

Avoiding crowded restaurants.

Panicking when someone sneezes. Do they have the virus?

But this week, not only am I traveling, but I am also speaking at two luncheons that will have a small crowd. I am moving forward.
Why?

Because God did not give me a spirit of fear.

I trust in the words of Psalm 91:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty, I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.’ Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.” In the Hebrew, “pestilence” is another word for “disease” or “plague” and I think it’s safe to say this applies to the Coronavirus.

Psalm 91 goes on to say, “’Because he loves me’” says the LORD, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.’”

Every morning, I acknowledge God’s name. I pray for His protection over my family and over myself. I am in the car a lot and there have been countless times where I’ve seen His protective hand on the road. He has watched over me during the numerous times people have cut me off, stopped suddenly or swerved into my lane because they were texting and driving.  I believe the additional promise in Psalm 91 that says, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

And that is why the Coronavirus does not frighten me. I am a child of God. I know he has placed a shield around me (Psalm 18:30) with his angels stationed nearby, and that protection is available to you as well. Even if I did contract the disease, I know my God still heals, and should the worst happen, I’ll be healed in Heaven.

Someone reminded me recently that in Latin the name “Coronavirus” actually means “Crown of Poison.” Guess what? God promises all who believe in His son, Jesus, a “Crown of Life.” I don’t intend to wear any other crown.

So today, I pray peace and God’s protection over you in the wake of the rising fear concerning the Coronavirus. Call forth the Lord’s promises over your life and have faith in His promises.