Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Matthew 11:28 English Standard Version

Since the COVID pandemic began in late 2019, we have been on a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs with no clear end in sight. The tension of fear and feeling safe has created lots of uncomfortable discussions and conversations on different platforms. For instance, the division of attitudes and approaches regarding vaccination and immunization are compounding the stress for many who are coping with sudden work and life changes.

As believers, it is good to remind each other to keep our eyes on Jesus and not to be intimidated by circumstances and difficult days. All the more as brothers and sisters in Christ we must learn to speak truth and show love in godly ways that reflects gospel values and the example of Jesus Christ.

Jesus calls us to rest in Him because He will strengthen us to stand in the storm and not be shaken. The presence of His Spirit in us is greater than the pressure of the storm around us. Remember God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear creates division, distrust and dispute. When this happens, we will react more out of fear than out of a daily rest of faith.

To rest by faith does not mean shedding our common responsibility to take good care of our personal health and well-being. It is learning to live in the reality of the finished work of Jesus, knowing you have everything to overcome the trials and challenges of this pandemic. It is to receive grace upon grace to persevere over fear and to reign over every area of your life.

You can soundly conquer the spirit of fear through resting faithfully in Christ. When fear is gone, what is revealed and what will remain is the abiding presence of Christ’s power and His love and His self-control in your heart. The rain may come, and the water and wind may do their worst, but you will not fall or fail. This is because Jesus is your refuge and safety place.