“If you make the Most High your dwelling – even the Lord, who is my refuge – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
–Psalms 91:9-11
WITH THE TREAT OF COVID-19, BETTER KNOWN BY ITS STREET NAME CORONAVIRUS, the world has been jolted with a sense of fear of a menacing biological monster that has claimed thousands of lives in China and hundreds more throughout the world. In the United States, a small number have been affected, but government officials believe the pandemic will make landfall in a bigger way in the very near future.
Despite the concerns, Pastor Kevin Herrin of The Fellowship in Texas City feels that people should be practical yet also rely on their spiritual foundation when it comes to confronting the unknown that COVID-19 represents.
“I think the perfect scripture is Psalms 91 when God made a covenant with His people,” said Herrin, whose sermon on Sunday is the aptly-timed “Beyond the Norm,” the latest in his series about the Beyond. “The scripture tells us that no disaster can come into your tent, so if you believe in the power that the word of God brings, that will be able to provide comfort. You can’t walk in fear if you’re claiming God’s word.”
Herrin, who has pastored in Texas City since 1990, also points to Matthew 14 when Peter showed fear despite Jesus inviting him to walk on water.
“If we, like Peter, keep our eyes on the problem, we are going to sink,” he said. “When we keep our eyes focused on Jesus, then we will be able to rise above our troubles and walk over them.”
Still, practicality is important. Like most experts, Herrin suggests that people take the time to take the necessary precautions to avoid the risk of developing symptoms that could lead into getting the illness.
It would also help to not dwell upon the unknown that lies with COVID-19, especially when it has not made a profound impact in the area.
“Worrying about it isn’t going to help at all,” said Herrin.
There are no recent parallels to the threat that COVID-19 could present when it comes to seeing a rise in church attendance. Herrin cited the example of how churches saw a sharp increase in the weeks following 9/11, but added the numbers fell off just as quickly.
“Coming to church out of fear is not sustainable,” he said. “Fear is a poor motivator for changing your life. That fear has to turn into love and a desire to find a relationship with Jesus. You have to have that desire in your heart if your intent is to turn things around.
“Right now, it’s best to take what we’re dealing with this in stride,” Herrin added. “In the words of John 14:27, do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
