Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake.…

Screen shot of Ebola ward in Africa

With all the different news agencies reporting on this, and the fear that is being unloaded on the American people, it’s imperative we remember the words of our Savior.   Yes, I’ve heard the news, all day speaking of the terrifying events taking place in Texas.  With the identification of the man who travelled from Africa to the US and is infected with Ebola.  I’ve heard the news media interview his neighbors and heard how afraid they are.  I’ve seen the demands to call the White House and demand all flights in and out of Africa stop immediately.  Really?

Jesus told us “Do Not be terrified, for these things must take place first.”  So what is all the fear mongering about?  The words of Jesus to His disciples when they were afraid of a storm, rage in my mind right now.

And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Jesus calms the storm (wikimedia commons)

Has our faith in Jesus gotten so lacadaisical (spiritless) that we don’t believe Jesus when He told us not to fear?  Has our faith gotten so weak, or are we as those in Revelation that John speaks of hiding in the caves afraid to face the Son of God?

This is not the spirit of God or the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit of God does not breed fear, or selfishness or a lacadaisical attitude toward those suffering.

Jesus will calm our storms in life, if we have faith.  Just as Peter lost his nerve while attempting to walk to Jesus on water and Jesus reached down to save Him.  We must keep our eyes focused on Him, not on the crises.  Prepare, and take precautions like hand washing, and cleaning surfaces touched by everyone such as the grocery carts in the store, or airline seats, public restrooms etc.  But don’t fall into the fear trap, don’t make demands that will only hurt others.  We must all pray for God’s guidance and knowledge, God’s mercy to cover the world and His children.  Jesus warned us that times such as this would come.  Put your faith in Him, and remember: For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.  Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,… (2Timothy 1:7)

There are so many in Africa while millions of people are suffering and quarantined, so many helping and offering help and comfort.  So many in prayer with these people.  Don’t turn your back in fear, don’t cut off their only travel with the outside world, this will do no one any good.  Don’t let fear overcome you.  Be Bold, Courageous and not ashamed.  Ban together in the Body of Christ, and let the world see your faith, let the world see that you are not afraid.  Our home is not this earth.  Our home is with God the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit.  Let’s not let fear overtake us and ignore ‘these the least of my brethren.’  For what we do to these, we do to Christ.  (Matthew 25:40)

Categories: Africa, Commentary by CJ, news, News Of The Day Heartbreaking & Prophetic, Prophecy

Tags: ebola, faith, famines and wars, fear, news, plagues, Prophecy, Texas