Article

Confidence amidst the Coronavirus

March 6, 2020

The word “corona,” among other things, refers to “something suggesting a crown,” or even a halo of luminescence around a bright object, such as the sun. Of course, today we are besieged with news about the coronavirus – or COVID-19 – and we are all trying to make sense of its severity and how we should handle it. Because of constant news updates and speculation, we could easily fixate on fear, but how is that of any benefit?

In 2 Timothy 1:7, we are reminded: God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2016, English Standard Version of the Bible, Crossway publishers)

The coronavirus is yet another reminder of how little control we have over our outer world. However, our inner world is another matter. Inwardly we can, moment-by-moment, choose how and where we allow our minds to run, where we stake our confidence.

Alec Hill’s book, Living in Bonus Time (2020, InterVarsity Press), highlights the sense of powerlessness he felt as he navigated the rocky shoals of cancer. He reminds us that “followers of Jesus are encouraged to construct spiritual houses on rock so that when the rains come, the streams rise, and the winds blow and beat against us, we will not fall.” It is important, he states, “starting with small steps, to daily build our lives on the solid foundation of the Lord’s presence.” (p. 25)

So this is what we do. We continue to daily, moment-by-moment, build our lives on the foundation of the Lord’s presence. At Upper House, we will continue to pray about our events and hosting, and will prioritize the needs of our speakers and community in our decisionmaking. We will keep you apprised of any changes in scheduling.

In the coming days, when we hear the word “corona,” may we reflect on the Light of the world – Christ. And may we remember the crowned Christ, who sits in authority at the right hand of our Father, in Whose spirit we can proceed with power, love and self-control – with full confidence.