Christian Goodreaders discussion

During this time of disease pandemic, there's a pervasive climate of fear and anxiety throughout the world. It's easy for Christians to become caught up in this. But we need to remember that the God who saves and loves us is in complete control of events, and has His eye upon us every moment. Nothing can befall us apart from His will, and what He wills is for our ultimate good. While being responsible servants of God practicing commonsense preventive measures, we can trust Him completely to care for us (Matt. 6: 26-27).

Below, I've copied and pasted part of an e-mail shared by the president of the college where I work (and which passes on information shared by Jim Denison of Dallas Baptist Univ.). It has a message that's both timely and timeless:

When the bubonic plague struck Wittenberg, Germany, in 1527, Martin Luther and his wife Katharina, who was pregnant at the time, decided to stay—rather than flee—in order to minister to the sick and dying. He wrote to Christians in a neighboring city these words: “I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely.”

Martin and Katharina Luther were spared. In interpreting this historical event, contemporary Christian writer Jim Denison shares: “Choosing to hope in God as the Luthers did sustains us as nothing else can. It reminds us that the worst that can happen to us leads to the best that can happen to us.”

Two years later, Luther wrote his most notable hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God. As we reflect on our own circumstances, let us also reflect and take to heart these words.

A mighty Fortress is our God
A trusty Shield and Weapon
He helps us free from every need
That hath us now overtaken
The old evil Foe
Now means deadly woe
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight
On Earth is not his equal

With might of ours can naught be done
Soon were our loss effected
But for us fights the Valiant One
Whom God Himself elected
Ask ye Who is this?
Jesus Christ it is
Of Sabbath Lord
And there's none other God
He holds the field forever

Though devils all the world should fill
All eager to devour us
We tremble not we fear no ill
They shall not overpower us
This world's prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will
He can harm us none
He's judged the deed is done
One little word can fell him

The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it
He's by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit
And take they our life
Goods fame child and wife
Let these all be gone
They yet have nothing won
The Kingdom ours remaineth.

Thanks, Werner!

You're welcome, Swantje. This is a time when we need to live out our trust in God, encourage each other online if we can't in person, and witness to the world about the saving grace of a Creator who truly cares about us. Praise His name!

Good message. Timely.

I'm not too surprised that people are freaking out, but Christians do need a reminder that God is still on the throne and in control.

Thanks Werner!

Glad you found it helpful, Tyrone and Janelle!

Werner wrote: "Glad you found it helpful, Tyrone and Janell
Beautiful and inspiring story! Thanks Werner!

It was really inspiring to me, too, Manh; I asked for permission to share it as soon as I'd read it this morning!

I will be walking my neighborhood and grabbing a coffee or food or whatever. Where God leads me each day. I will pray for those in need and help others in fear. That's my current assignment form God. I will not cower in fear in my house.

If you haven't been now is the time to be talking about Jesus. That grocery run or scavenger hunt for toilet paper turn it to good