Right now the nations of the world are being shaken. Every single thing that people used to put their security in, seems to be shaking. Our year here in Australia began with intense, widespread fires.
Now a new virus has swept the globe and with it, many have let the spirit of fear into their hearts. Everywhere I go there seems to be someone struggling with fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of financial lack and fear of getting sick or dying.
These emotions are legitimate in the face of huge daily struggles. I know - for my husband’s work has also been cancelled due to the virus, so we are facing a choice daily to choose trust and peace instead of giving into fear. It is an unsettling time for many. It is a time to be extra sensitive, caring and loving to all those around us.
People are so fragile right now. The ramifications from the Corona virus have left people here in the West without income, businesses closing, entire industries affected, cancelled flights, people stranded, people in isolation and huge uncertainty. There is a shaky atmosphere here and many are feeling vulnerable right now. My heart goes out further though to those in the poorest nations of the earth who have little to no resources to help in times of virus epidemics.
God the rock
As all around us looks like sinking sand, and the economies of entire countries are put into question, we as believers can fix our eyes on Christ and stand upon the steady rock of God and live from His unshakable kingdom.
‘The Lord is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. My God is my rock - I take refuge in Him! He’s my shield, my salvation’s strength, my place of safety.’ Psalm 18:2 CEB
‘Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God with reverence’ - Hebrews 12:28 TNIV
Rise up
If we truly know that we are God's beloved sons and daughters in this hour, we can rise up and live out of our trust and peace in God. Hopefully our roots have gone deep in the Lord’s love and deep enough to be able to stand on Christ, our solid foundation.
It is time for the fruits of the holy spirit; the fruits of abiding in Christ to manifest in us including peace and love. For God’s design is that we would become mighty unshakable ‘Oaks of Righteousness’ as described in Isaiah 61: 3, which others can shelter under.
Further, Jeremiah 17:7-8 AMP is Gods heart for us to not fret and still produce fruit, even in perilous times.
‘Blessed (with spiritual security) is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the LORD and whose hope and confident expectation is in the Lord. For He will be (nourished) like a tree planted by the waters. That spreads out its roots by the river; And will not fear the heat when it comes; But its leaves will be green and moist. And it will not be anxious and concerned in a year of drought, nor stop bearing fruit.’
God’s peace
It is time, people of God, to live out of peace and show the world what it looks like to rest during a huge storm. It is in this current dark storm and the ones yet to come that we are called to shine the brightest for Christ.
Jesus slept in the middle of a storm and he is our example.
‘But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion..’ Mark 4: 37 NLT
Like Jesus in Mark 4, we get to show that we trust so much in our Father in heaven, his character of love and His words, that we can even sleep in peace in the middle of a massive storm.
Also, the Bible literally says 365 times the words ‘Fear not’ and ‘Do not be afraid’ and verses of this meaning, such as in Isaiah 43:1, Isaiah 41:10 and Joshua 1:9. So, according to God it must be very important for us to not partner with the spirit of fear, every single day of the year.
Prophetic vision
During a prayer time this week, I saw a picture of a black tornado, which was the Corona virus and I saw on the left of the storm, an eagle, soaring around it and above it. The eagle was at full wingspan, soaring on a different thermal wind.
I felt the Lord speak encouragement through this vision; that His heartbeat right now is for his people and indeed his Bride, to be like that eagle. That we would not get caught up in the fear-storm that is in full swing right now, but instead we would soar outside of it, and even above it, on the Holy Spirit’s wind. All the while seeking God’s face and praying out His word in declaration and in Christ’s authority with faith.
I sense the Father’s invitation for us to become all that we are supposed to be in this hour; the brightest and most peaceful, strong and prayerful, loving and caring people, who carry His hope on the earth and act like lighthouses for the world right now.
It is time to pray, especially for the health care workers and those who need healing and comfort. It is a time to declare Psalm 91 and stand in prayer. It is a time to be sensitive and caring and loving. It is time to become all that we can be through Christ and the unshakable and peaceful Oak Trees with our roots down deep, producing fruit in every season. It is time to stand upon our rock of Christ and live for His unshakable Kingdom. It is time to remain peaceful during this storm.