By Ellie Nieves and Yesenia Barca
The uncertainty brought about by current events has stunned many of us. Just a couple of months ago, we were going about our daily lives never imagining that lockdown orders would be issued across our country. Our lives as we knew them have come to a halt. For many, the initial idea of staying at home didn’t seem so bad. But over time, being confined and the ever-growing number of heart-wrenching stories of lives lost and impacted by COVID-19 weigh heavy on us. The fear and anxiety can cripple us.
As women of Faith, our first stop in these situations should be the Lord, our God. There is much in the Bible about how we should manage fear and anxiety.
1. Recognize That Fear Does Not Come from God
In 2 Timothy 1:7, the Bible tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. To activate this power, love and self-discipline must be grounded in our faith.
2. Know that God Can
We serve a Big God who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or imagine. In the Bible, Daniel held on to this belief even in the face of persecution for His faith (Daniel 3:17,18). Rather than compromise his faith and bow down to the King who threatened his life, Daniel said: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Nothing that happens in the natural should shake our faith in our all-powerful God.
3. Desire God’s Will
Even Jesus experienced fear and anxiety when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. In, Matthew 26:39, Jesus asked God to spare him from the suffering that was coming his way. But he wrapped it up by saying Not my will but yours be done.
4. Give Your Cares to God
God understands our fears and worries. After all, we are only human. But, even in our humanity, we should turn to God in our most difficult moments. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to give all our worries and cares to God because he cares about us. Rather than worry, we can turn to Him in prayer, tell Him what we need and give Him thanks for all He has done. (Philippians 4:6,7).
5. Rest in His Peace
The more we turn to God, the more He instills His peace in our hearts. Isaiah 26:3 tells us that He will keep in perfect peace all who trust in Him – all whose thoughts are fixed on Him! Take the time to take the advice of the Psalmist in Psalm 46:10: Be still, and know that He is God!
As Christian women, we are not immune to the problems of this world. Our peace comes from knowing that this world is only our temporary destination. We still have a long journey ahead of us. Let’s hold on to God’s promise in Romans 8:28, knowing that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.
Ellie Nieves is a wife, a stepmom, and a women’s leadership speaker and coach. She is the Founder of the Christian Career Women Network.
Yesenia Barca is a wife, mom, and a social worker. She also leads a small group ministry for moms. Yesenia is a member of the Christian Career Women Network.
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