The Christian Response to the Coronavirus
The Promise of Peace
By Reverend Dr. RB Holmes, Pastor
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
God has promised to give us peace: peace in a storm…peace in sickness…peace in stressful and struggling times. This is not an April fool; this is not a hoax; this is not a canard; and this is truly not a rumor! The Prince of Peace can give us “perfect peace.” Isaiah 26:3 gives us hope: “Thou will give him perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
This coronavirus is causing so much fear and anxiety. I am praying that we will trust the word of God; He promises us perfect peace. Perfect peace is inner strength in the midst of satanic sabotage. That means Satan is ripping your nerves apart. Perfect peace is inner calmness in the time of external chaos. That means that whatever happens, I am going to hold to God’s unchanging hand. The promise is if we trust the Lord, if we keep our mind stayed on the Lord, He promises to give us “perfect peace.” This promise is conditional.
Let me give a few more assurances that Jesus is the “author of peace, and not confusion.” The enemy wants to get into your head and mind thoughts of hysteria, dejection, depression, apathy, anxiety and mental confusion. Jesus gives us this bold affirmation and assurance that he has come to give us peace. Saint John 14: 27 declares, “My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ” Jesus gives us a peace of mind, a peace of soul; He gives us the peace of God.
Philippians 4: 6-7 tells us, “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made unto God and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.” Amen. Ain’t He alright? Our parents are correct; the old preacher is correct.
“God is a heart fixer and a mind regulator!”
Start this month of April firmly believing that you can experience the “gift of peace.“ It’s a promise! Shalom!