I.  Do Not Fret: Thank God for Modern Medicine

1 Thessalonians 5:18 CSB – give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

James 1:2-4 CSB – Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

Every trial is a test of faith.

Romans 8:28 CSB – We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 

John 14:1 CSB – Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

Rodney Stark noted, “As conceived by Chinese philosophers, the universe simply is and always was. There is no reason to suppose that it functions according to rational laws or that it could be comprehended in physical rather than mystical terms. Consequently, through the millennia Chinese intellectuals pursued ‘enlightenment,’ not explanations.”

Romans 1:19-20 CSB – …. what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made.

The corona virus is a great time to say, God, thank you for giving us modern medicine!

II. Do Not Fret: See the Horrible Nature of Sin

Why is there stuff like the Corona Virus in the world?

James 1:14-15 CSB – But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire.

Romans 5:18-21 CSB – So then, as through one trespass there is condemnation for everyone, so also through one righteous act there is justification leading to life for everyone. 19 For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 …. where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace will reign through righteousness, resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

III. Do Not Fret: Focus On Heaven.

2 Corinthians 5:1-4 CSB – For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands. 2 Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 since, when we have taken it off, we will not be found naked. 4 Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life.

Here’s the Application: Don’t Fret.  Live as Strangers in this world.

Abraham: Hebrews 11:9-10 CSB – By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

IV. Don’t Fret: Be Ready to Serve The Vulnerable

James 1:27 CSB – Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

4th century Roman Emperor, Julian wrote, [The Christian faith] has been specially advanced through the loving service rendered to strangers, and through their care for the burial of the dead. It is a scandal that there is not a single [Christian] who is a beggar, and that [they] care not only for their own poor but for ours as well; while those who belong to us look in vain for the help that we should render them.”

V. Do Not Fret: Put Your Hope In Jesus

Psalm 46:1-3 CSB – 

God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.
2 Therefore we will not be afraid,
though the earth trembles
and the mountains topple
into the depths of the seas,
3 though its water roars and foams
and the mountains quake with its turmoil

John 14:2-3 CSB – I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.

Jesus is preparing a place in heaven for you

1 John 3:1 CSB – See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are!

Psalm 23:6 CSB – Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.