Knowing very well that the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is on everyone’s mind, I thought I’d share a short devotion encouraging us to trust in God’s faithfulness and promises. In the face of danger, we need to be prudent and wise, but also need to be careful our heart is not held in bondage to fear. It’s not always an easy balance to maintain, but meditating on the promises of God brings inner peace in the face of external pressures.
The promises of God are like concrete pylons driven deep into the ocean floor….
When waves of anxiety push us around or threaten to sink us, we may tie the rope of our faith to the immovable character of God, which his promises reveal. “Fear not,” God says, and then he makes a promise.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1–2
The prophet Isaiah was given a tough assignment—to declare the displeasure that God felt toward his chosen people and to predict the judgment that they would receive. But, as it so often happens with God, mingled with this painful news are comforting promises of hope and restoration. Though these promises were made to Abraham’s physical seed, they can also be applied to his spiritual seed—the “sons of Abraham” (Gal. 3:7)—that is, every Christian. You can fasten the rope of your faith to God’s assurances.