4CBC Response to Virus crisis by Pastor Tony McQueer The primary issues that arises from a crisis is fear and anxiety. I want to encourage us to be godly examples to those you come in contact with. We need to walk in God’s peace and let others see that our faith strong and we do believe God is in control. God has placed us here for this appointed time I pray we glorify God in how we respond to this crisis or any crisis. I’m not dismissing the reality of the crisis… But stop… take a deep breath… and draw near to God. Spiritual prepare yourself for this crisis: Guard your heart – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus… Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV This virus has not taken God by surprise… If you or others you meet start to get a little anxious about what is happening, then stop and pray. Express how you are feeling and give thanks to God because you know He is in control. Let the Spirit of God and the Word of God give you peace. It’s His Word, His Spirit, His peace that will guard our hearts and minds from overreacting to this crisis… We must not fear – less the things we fear the most come upon us and make the reality of a crisis more than what it is. Job said “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes.” Job 3:25-26 NKJV If we are not careful, we will make a bad situation worse! I believe this is already happening in the masses. People are becoming fearful and starting to believe the worse. Many are buying out the stores and starting to barricade themselves into their homes. Many are starting to worry themselves literally sick. They may not have a virus, but they are so worried they have become emotionally sick and weakened; which opens themselves up to getting sick for real. Yes, this is a real crisis. Yes, we need to take this pandemic seriously! But worry and being anxious over the things we cannot control does not help at all. Physically prepare yourself for this crisis Take physical steps to promote a safe and healthy environment- Review and take seriously the CDC Recommendations for this crisis Remember – everyone does not think like you do – there are real concerns – people are anxious – some scared Do everything possible to understand how others may be feeling – this is a very emotional time Glorify God, don’t add to the crisis: Proverbs 26:20 says “Where there is no wood the fires goes out; and where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.” NKJV. Please take a deep breath, be still… Don’t let yourself be drawn into the anxiousness and fear that is coming into the world over what is happening with the virus. Again, I am not saying this is not a real crisis nor am I saying that we should not take this seriously… But as people of God… Don’t add fuel to the fire! The Bible says in Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that I many impart grace to the hearers.” NKJV. Stop and think before you speak, post, repost, or communicate anything. Is what you are going to say going to bring grace to the hearer or fuel the fire of fear! I continue to pray for you, your family, and our church family… It’s with the love of Christ, I can say I love you all If you, your family, your friends, or someone you know needs Biblical guidance during this crisis, don’t hesitate to contact us at: https://4cbc.org/Contact-4CBC.htm Four Corners Baptist Church, 125 Cottonwood Drive, Davenport Fl 33837 In Christ love, Pastor Tony McQueer (4CBC.org)