As we know it, we are living in such uncertain times. People are fearful and full of panic. 

We need to understand that FEAR BREEDS FEAR! Fear is the actual virus that has spread throughout our world. We have done shows before on fear and again, fear is False Evidence Appearing Real! We’re not saying that this virus right now isn’t real, but so many of us have become fearful and are overcome with fear based off of false outcomes. 

People are fearing the unknown – operating in the “what if’s?” Panic is caused by man being infiltrated by the fear of the world around them. Fear has driven people to extreme measures. We see people lining up for hours to get toilet paper, water and hoarding food, but, we should be seeing people lining up to get into church – to get God’s Word that will never run out or run dry! Come on – the only thing we need to be hoarding is the word of God!! 

We are in this world, but we are not of it! We do not walk in the wisdom of the world nor operate like the world does. This is the time to seek God’s wisdom and get understanding to hear God’s direction for us as a church.

Proverbs 4:5 

 “Get wisdom, get understanding do not forget my words or turn away from them.” 

Fear does not come from God, but is of the enemy. 

John 10:10– “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”  

We need to understand that the fear the enemy has released was an attempt to shut down the church. But, we know that the enemy will never succeed! For the gates of hell shall not prevail against God’s church! The church is not a building or only held during service times. We are the church and we will not be silent! 

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God and even though we are living in times this generation has never experienced, God will use it for His glory. The church may not be gathering together in a building, but we are still one in spirit! Let’s realize that sometimes we have to be put in uncomfortable positions to grow, to be strengthened, to rise up, and awaken Gods bride!  The testing of our faith produces perseverance, and boy are we being tested, but we will become a stronger and more resilient church! We may be stripped down right now of the things we have taken for granted as a church, but now we will be an even more humbled and grateful people. 

This is no time to retreat or be in fear. We need to be careful not tobe distracted by the media. It’s not the time to bash our government or President, but be praying for them. They are not our enemy! 

Let’s remember what the word tells!

Ephesians 6:12

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 

In Ephesians, it also tells us how to take stand against the devils schemes; and it is to take on the whole armor of God! 

Right now we are in a spiritual warfare and we need to DAILY put on the whole armor of God so that we can withstand! 

 

The Armor of God 

Ephesians 6:10-18– “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” 

Don’t we know we are leaving in evil times! 

As Christians, this is our time! We have spent decades in Church, conferences, Bible Studies, relying on our Pastors to get the Word IN us! BUT NOW – NOW is the time where WE are to be the Church outside of the 4 walls and feed to others the bread of life we have been living on for so long!! This can be a season of true revival – where the Church is more rampant in our world than ever before because now WE ARE ALL WORKING!! 

When everything around is growing dim, when people are in fear – this is the perfect time for us to rise up! As the days grow darker, we need to shine brighter. We live in this world, but we are not of it. We will not be like the rest of the world walking in fear, panic and anxiety. Instead, we will be full of FAITH, HOPE and LOVE! 

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for! We have Hope as an anchor to our soul sure and steadfast; the hope found in Christ that keeps us firm and unwavering in these turbulent waters we are in right now! And we have the Love of Christ, the perfect love that casts out fear!

Philippians 4:6–

“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

How do we keep our minds focused on the things of God? We need to meditate on His Word!!

Philippians 4:8

 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. 

May we be the beacon of hope and light to the world around us. We are the salt of the earth! We are the light of the world! A city on a hill that cannot be hidden!  Let’s find the opportunity to pray with people, to share the good news. These are exciting times for God’s people! More than ever do we have the opportunities to be the light! 

As children of God we know that God knows the plans He has for us plans to prosper and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future! – Jeremiah 29:11 

Instead of fear we call upon Jehovah El Shalom the Lord our peace!

Instead of Sickness we call upon Jehovah Rapha the Lord who heals!

Instead of lack we call upon Jehovah Jireh The Lord my provider! 

Prayer

We come before our Heavenly Father in the authority given to us and bind every demonic scheme of the enemy in Jesus name! We bind the sprit of fear that has swept our world and release faith and hope! The only outbreak we will experience is the outbreak of your Holy Spirit upon our nation and world! Your Word says you will release your spirit upon all flesh and we ask you to release and pour out your Holy Spirit like a massive wave. We call in the wells of salvation! As the days grow darker Jesus, YOU will shine brighter! May your people rise up and be the light, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden!