A new influenza virus is in the news and vying for the highest level of attention in the media. Recently reported warnings from both the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control have people on edge worldwide. The media attention to the Coronavirus in the United States is even eclipsing election year coverage. The hopeful expectations of news organizations and some in politics for a “ pandemic” assault our eyes and ears on a daily basis. Some even hope that the new virus will sufficiently slow the economy enough to hurt the re-selection chances of President Donald Trump. Sad, but true!
Have We Been Here Before?
I have lived through at least two flu pandemics in my lifetime. The 1957-58 Asian flu and the1968-69 Hong Kong flu. I I was an infant in 1957, so I don’t remember anything about the Asian flu pandemic. In retrospect, I can make one important observation about it: my family and I survived! I have more specific memories about the 1968-69 Hong Kong flu , although not perhaps the ones that many might expect. I have no memory of widespread panic in the population or incessant droning of the news about the pandemic. We were at war, and in an election year, the two topics that dominated Walter Cronkite”s evening pontification. I went to school, played with my friends in the suburbs of Richmond, Va., and went about life in exactly the same fashion as I did before soldiers returning from Southeast Asia brought the virus to California. No one wore masks, and our conversations were dominated by academics, sports, politics, and the war in Vietnam. There was no fear of flu in our midst. My most important memory from the Asian flu pandemic? My family, friends, and I all survived. We had no fear!
Who is Responsible?
The latest statistics on the Coronavirus outbreak show a mortality rate of 2-3%. That means 97-98% of all those infected will recover! While we should never accept as normal the death of any human being at the hands of this demonic disease, the survival rate is very encouraging. We don’t know the natural source of this virus. It may have escaped from a bio-weapons lab in China, where oppressive communist leaders constantly seek new and innovative ways to control the citizenry. It may have arisen from bats or other animals. Whatever the natural source, it is the underlying spiritual source we must recognize.
It is the devil, and Jesus clearly states this fact in John 10:10 (NKJV), where He says “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Whether spread through human government or animal instrumentality, the source of Coronavirus is none other than the thief, the deceiver, the destroyer, and enemy of all mankind, satan himself.
The virus may be spread by natural human contact, but there is a hidden and insidious way that many are sickened. They are infected in their minds before symptoms ever show up in their bodies. Fear of contracting the virus consumes the mind, inundated and impacted by media reports declaring the most destructive scenarios.
The Bible warns us that fear will destabilize the mind and open the door to dangerous expectations. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Fear is the enemy of a sound mind, and works to develop an unsound body.
The Flu Shot for Free
With each approaching flu season, a “flu shot” is formulated to boost the immune system and ward off infection. The most recent flu injection may not be effective on Coronavirus, since it is a new strain. Regardless of the lack of natural protection, there is a supernatural “flu shot” that is available to all free of charge. It drives out fear and strengthens the immune system.
“You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. “Psalm 91:5-6 (NKJV)
The Anti-flu, Anti-fear shot is the Word of God, and speaking and meditating on it destroys fear and builds faith. The Word declares “ He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions” Psalm 107:20 (NKJV), “Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,” Psalm 103:2-3 (NKJV), and “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3John 1:2 (NKJV).
Don’t allow the unreasoned fear of Coronavirus spread by media outlets and fearful people to overwhelm your mind and give entrance to sickness and disease. Take a stand against the lies of satan and meditate on the Word of God. Jesus said “ Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. “ Luke 10:19 (NKJV)
As in all previous flu pandemics we can be confident of this: we and our families, both natural and supernatural, will survive! The Name of Jesus is greater than any other name, and in His Name we declare the Mighty Word of our God “ The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NKJV)
