I am so thankful to still be able to write and put out content even in this time of adapting to quarantine. I know this situation looks scary and hopeless, but nevertheless, I still believe God is moving in the midst of our fear and isolation. Today, I want to share with you how God is using quarantine and a virus to bring His people together. May I be the first to say, praise God for technology!
This past week Overflow held its first livestream service. I’m sure many of you have seen or heard of churches all across the country holding livestream services and zoom conferences, and if you’re wondering why, it’s because church is the body of Christ, not a building. Matthew 18:20 (NIV) says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Isn’t that so exciting? Pastor Jabin Chavez said, “you cannot stop a move of God; you can only miss a move of God.” If we stop gathering as the body just because we can’t congregate in a building, we’re going to miss it.
God has ordained this season for us to learn He is in control and teach us to rely on His power, peace and authority. I watched an Instagram live from speaker Christine Caine recently, and she said, “Satan is coming after us with fear because HE’S afraid of what God’s going to do and how He’s going to use His people during this time. It’s up to us to not bow down to that spirit of fear and let it control us because fear doesn’t come from God.” I love this because it perfectly follows the sermon Steve gave on the livestream: No Fear.
In 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) it says “ For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” Fear never comes from God. Fear paralyzes us and keeps us from living the life that God calls us to live. One thing Steve always reminds me to do when I feel fear start creeping up inside of me is to reject it; to take that thought or feeling captive, and replace it with truth. We have the power to do this through our faith in Jesus Christ, which gives us the authority over fear, because He has authority. Fear never comes from God, but a spirit of power does. Lastly, self-discipline comes from God. Self-discipline is the wisdom and clarity of God to see through the lies of fear because that’s all fear is: one big lie. I love this acronym that Steve gave us of fear: Fear is false evidence appearing real. In this season of quarantine, don’t give into Satan’s lie of fear, but lean into the spirit of power, love and self-discipline that comes from God. Lean into the peace that Paul talks about in Philippians 4:7 that surpasses all understanding. Stay safe, and don’t forget to tune into the Overflow livestream at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at www.friendlybaptist.org/livestream or at Overflow Tyler on Facebook!
Eva Davies • Sep 24, 2020 at 10:06 pm
This was absolutely beautiful and well said. This has been such a tough time in the world with everything going on, it very easy to give into fear and lose hope. There are times I surly do. But them I remember that God is in control and that pray is such a POWERFUL thing. Talk to Jesus because he is always listening, even when you don’t think he is. I’m a very anxious person and the verse I always go to when I’m feeling panic is 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your cares upon God, for he cares for you”. Its saying lay all your fear and burden down at his feet and let him take control. And its such a good feeling knowing the Almighty God is looking out for each and every one of us always and forever.
TaMarria Nelson • Jun 12, 2020 at 1:50 pm
You are correct about one thing, “WE ALL” still believe God is moving in the midst of our fear and isolation. Covid has attacked so many people, young and old. With all of this uncertainty, isolation was the first thing implemented. I was blessed to work from home, assist my kids with school work from home, and also attend my class from home. I am grateful! A lot of people lost their jobs and had no internet access, but I was bless to continue having both. I want to be the second to say, praise God for technology an thank him for our many blessings. 🙂
Moriah Sundholm • Jun 10, 2020 at 5:43 pm
I LOVE what you said. We as a body of believers do need to stay in the heart of worship while going through a storm like this in our world. God would not have put us through this if He didn’t believe that we would come out stronger in our faith.
Briana Garcia • Jun 9, 2020 at 1:22 pm
I LOVED this article! I believe this pandemic has brought a lot of people together and has also brought a lot of people closer to God. I will admit, at first I was upset about all of this quarantine stuff. But then I came to realize I had so much time on my hands so why not spend it reading my bible or doing other things I love. I can personally say this pandemic has taught me quite a few things and one of the main ones is to Trust Him because He has a plan for everything. I loved the acronym used for FEAR as well!
Alissa Caffey • May 23, 2020 at 1:25 pm
I absolutely love this article it really shows how a pandemic can bring people together in a time of need. And that we should not fear but only wait on what God has planned for us. To show our loyalty even when we cannot attend church.