Learning DAILY

 

Deuteronomy20-3-4, “And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies.  Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble because  of them; for the Lord your God is with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’

 

I just got home from a walk in the neighborhood.  When I walk by myself, I try to spend much of the time in prayer.  This morning as I was praying for my former colleagues at First Baptist Academy regarding their safety, the safety of students and parents and for my family’s safety regarding the covid-19 virus, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind that we are not to live in fear.  Fear is not faith.  Fear is being subject to that which can be real or imagined.  Fear is not the same thing as being cautious or concerned with doing the right thing.  Fear allows that which is not known to control our thoughts and actions.  As school begins, there are many different thoughts about whether school should be conducted in the classroom or should distance learning be the method of instruction.  

 

The problem is compounded by the many opinions being given.  Who is right?  If the different thoughts promoted are politically based, then shame on those in leadership that are promoting fear among the people.   Fear that is being promoted is a paralyzing fear that is not in the best interests of the students.  God does not want His people to live and operate in fear.  Are we cautious, concerned, and prayerful about life?  Yes!

 

 In the verse from Deuteronomy, the Lord told His people not to fear when going to battle.  When they saw the horses and chariots more numerous than His people, they were not to be afraid.  Instead, they were to remember who brought them out of Egypt.  They needed to know that they had greater strength on their side than all the chariots in the world.  So, too, today must we remember that there is greater strength with us because the Lord God Almighty is with us.  Does that mean we throw all caution to the wind?  Absolutely not!  It means we do all the things necessary to prevent the virus from being spread.  It means that we walk with the creator, trusting in Him to protect us.  Does that mean Christians should not be exposed or become infected with the covid-19 virus?  No, it means that our trust is in the Lord throughout every circumstance.  Stop looking at the horses and chariots and look to the Lord for His strength!

 

That old defender of the West, John Wayne has been quoted as saying, “Life is tough!  It’s tougher when you are stupid!”  I know that might not be as biblical as you might want here, but, it seems to fit.  Be wise in what you do.  Be wise in where you go and who you go with.  There are so many thoughts about what prevents the spread of this stuff and what does not.  Does it hurt to be overly cautious?

 

To my friends at FBA, I pray God’s blessings and His safety over you and the students as you go back to school this week.  May His grace be sufficient for each of you as you do what is necessary to educate your students and as you do all that is necessary to keep them safe.  You are in my thoughts and prayers as you begin this new year.  May it be the best year ever!

 

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