By Pastor Geoff Starr

We are living in unsettling times. From loss of income because of Covid-19 social distancing to the loss of property and lives through the tornadoes. We need to continue to lift our eyes to the Lord for “Our help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth” (Psalm 121:2).

Our neighbor had a large tree fall onto their house during the tornadoes over Easter weekend. The tree fell onto the roof of the bedroom of her elderly mother and made two large holes in the house. They had just moved from the room about two minutes before the tree fell and came through the ceiling, causing not only structural damage but also water damage. While talking with her I got the impression of how thankful she was that everyone was okay. That is the sentiment that I get when talking to others who have lost property because of the storm. I know that there are others who were not so lucky as to only lose property and who have lost loved ones. This is hard to understand, but we need to always remember the battle is still the Lord’s. He will give you strength.
In these uncertain times there is a lot of fear—fear for the future, fear of sickness, fear of the end times. It seems easy to say—and hard to live—like the battle belongs to the Lord. But each day we must, not only remember, but live like we put our faith and trust in the Lord. This is how we find strength.

I am reminded of what David said to Goliath, “And that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand” (I Samuel 17:47).

As Christians we can show others how the Lord can save. God can cast out fear. God can and will give you things that will strengthen your walk with him. Goliath was not only a distraction from God but also a huge source of fear for the people. When we put our faith in God we can drive out the thing that is causing us to fear and help others to see Gods grace and power.

When the people of Judah were facing an enemy that they thought they could not overcome, the Lord said through Jahaziel, “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). In our loss and in our fear, keep looking to God because the battle is His and our fear will be turned into strength.