by Thomas Yerman
Our Declaration of Independence for the United States along with our Pledge of Allegiance certainly make the case that this nation was and is influenced by Christianity. Our history and documents provide strong evidence that testifies to our being a nation that holds to the truth of worshiping God, the Creator—in whose image people are made, by whose authority we have a system of government, and under whose power we live.
We live in a nation and world that is constantly changing. And because we believers are those who truly trust in God, and therefore his Word, whenever these changes come to challenge our lives and ministries, we take a stand in faith. Our faith is not merely an intellectual belief but a down-to-the-core heart belief that is acted upon no matter what changes might come. Faith changes lives. Our faith not only impacts our lives, but the lives of those around us.
I understand that it is only human to be anxious about what might lie ahead, particularly in uncertain times. Growing anxious is a human trait—what I call our “default mode.” It’s been around for a long time. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, while being held as a prisoner “in chains,” gave the people of Philippi a message they needed to hear in their sufferings. They lived in an age of frequent disease, war, and famine—times that caused their future to look questionable and uncertain.
Paul wanted them to take their eyes off their troubles, which were like an immovable mountain, and look instead to the One who could move it. They were more focused on their troubles than on their God who could help them. He wanted them to know that their lives were in the hands of a loving God who would give them peace. He didn’t tell them that all the bad stuff would go away, but instead gave them direction with a promise:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:6-7)
Paul promised believers in Jesus Christ that God would calm their fear and comfort their spirits. He encouraged them to put their worries in the hands of Someone bigger than themselves and more powerful than the troubles they were facing. It was a reminder to trust God.
We are also living in a challenging time, one that is calling believers to trust in God and shine in an hour of darkness and doubt.
We are being moved out of our comfort zone, called to put our faith over fear—in a God we can trust: The God who is the Everlasting-God, the Great-God, the Living-God, the Merciful-God, the Faithful-God, and the Mighty-God. The God who loves you! Our Refuge, Fortress, and Shield. He renews the strength of those who trust in him. So in anxious times, we should be able to display such a peace that those around us will bathe in the overflow. Faith not only changes a life; it changes the way a person looks at life.
Holding to the right perspective equips us with the divine power that will enable us to persevere the storm or “war” (as the battle with COVID-19 is being called). The Body of Christ must have no doubt that God is in control and that he cares and comforts those whose hearts are open to receive him. Only then will we be able to effectively reach out to the world. This is a time for the Church to be seen at its best. There is power in the name of Jesus!
“For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Our attitude must be one of acting wisely and responsibly in what we do and in confidence leave the rest with God.
As individuals, now is the time to live out our faith and find out what we are made of. Our U.S. currency states, “In God We Trust.” Now is the time to show that we actually do. As a nation, this is a time providing an opportunity to turn back to God and be united. We give our pledge as “One Nation Under God.” Are we?
Now is the time to show that trust even as we advance this “unity under God”! We are equipped to see this world (beyond what we perceive with our physical eyes and senses) through the Holy Spirit and knowledge of God’s Word. We can see into a “spiritual realm.” Because we know God is in control of all creation and active in this world, we must also be aware that God is saying something in what he is allowing to impact our nation and the world by this coronavirus pandemic.
I believe God is allowing things to be shaken up to get the attention of the world—including his Church. In the distress of the day God is calling all of us back to himself. He is calling us to look to him with submitted hearts that will restore a relationship with him, the way he wants it.
It starts with his Church and particularly from the pulpit. As God’s spokesman and Priests of God to the people, we must speak and teach God’s Word plainly and clearly. We should hold back from saying what we think or what feels good to the people. It’s time to avoid the popular, not wanting to offend people. We should not fear or mistake people being offended by God’s Word with the Holy Spirit bringing conviction. It’s what should and must happen.
As we are learning to see things as God sees them, we must also speak things in line with what God feels—on every topic. Everything that God says is right and good.
Yes, there is a battle going on, and it’s spiritual. As a nation, we’ve strayed too far from God. People need to be led back to where they belong, where God wants them. We have what it takes. Now is the time for individuals and a nation to put its faith over its fear. And it starts with us.
Thomas Yerman is an FCA pastor ministering at Living Hope Church in Elk Grove Village.
