LEAD. April 2020 | Page 47

Why have these facts about the virus caused so much fear? We cannot see it, we’ve never dealt with it before, and we are just understanding that medications such as Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin create a hostile environment that can overcome the virus. But when we listen to the news, questions remain, and fear escalates. What if one can’t obtain the medications? Will there be a hospital bed for you if you have to be admitted? Will you get a ventilator if you need one? Since some information from overseas were delayed and skewed, it has forced us to gather our own data in mapping out the course of the virus. Because our information is changing by the day and comfort has taken a back seat, fear continues to grow. Mixing facts with fear traumatizes people. But there is a solution: standing on faith gives us a steadfast mind, a peaceful heart and a steady hand. For instance, when David saw Goliath, the facts were that Goliath was over nine feet tall, a Philistine warrior, and could defeat any foe. Fear paralyzed King Saul and his whole army from challenging Goliath. When David, a teenage shepherd boy, said he’d take Goliath out, he ran toward the giant and exclaimed, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, who you have defied” (I Samuel 17:45). David went on to say, “The battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands” (I Samuel 17:47). Arrogance? No, just raw faith. So how should we respond? If one has bought into the facts and fear model, then he’ll respond like Saul. But if one has subscribed to the facts and faith model, then he’ll respond like David. The Saul confederation will analyze facts on Covid19, will be “dismayed and greatly afraid,” and say, “You are not able to go against” this monster (I Samuel 17:11,33). The David camp will acknowledge facts, see Goliath’s armor and spear (the number of Covid19 cases and deaths) and will say, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (I Samuel 17:37). “It’s time to look up to our Father who has given us the authority to be conquerors and overcomers.” The David warriors actually believe Jesus’ words, “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). The David troops actually believe that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is in us who believe (Ephesians 1:19-20). Should we then throw caution to the wind? Should we stop washing our hands? Should we keep on touching our face with our hands? Should we ignore social isolation? Should we disregard the guidelines set for us? Should we tempt God? Nonsense! Even David took five smooth 47