Our world is in an uproar right now trying to deal with a virus that no one knows much about. The one thing we all know is that everyone is stocking up on toilet paper…but why? Are we expecting a roll of toilet paper to save us? Is toilet paper at the top of our list of things we’ll need should we be quarantined for some time? Can we feed our kids or pay our bills with toilet paper? If we get the virus and die, will toilet paper get us into heaven?
I think the underlying reason for the sudden need to buy toilet paper comes from a desire to avoid a feeling of helplessness…the fear of being able to do nothing to stop the inevitable…death. If dying is what we’re afraid of, then maybe it is time to deal with this problem and put an end to the fear.
The Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
If the thought of dying scares you, you’re not alone, but if you know Jesus…or when you get to know Him, your fears will be turned into hope and a promise of better things to come. Hebrews 11: 1 Now faith is the substance if things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
This is the agreement God makes with us and is translated to us through His Holy Spirit: I will put my laws into their hearts and in their minds will I write them. Hebrews 10: 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Many people have heard these truths from God and have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but instead of adding knowledge to their faith and getting to know Him as a friend and constant companion they took Him home and put Him in the closet…much like a roll of toilet paper…and they call on Him only when needed. We need Him every hour and every minute. Don’t forget, He gave us a spirit of boldness to enter into His presence and ask anything in His name. We should tell Him about our fears and ask Him to renew a right spirit within us…one of power, love, and a sound mind. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto love and good works.
As the virus continues to spread, let’s look to Him for wisdom in dealing with it. Pray for our leaders and those across the world fighting with us. The internet has turned it into a joke with the stockpiling of toilet paper, but it is a serious problem…made worse by the politicians…but it will be dealt with and in time taken care of. In the meantime, let’s take care of each other and stir up that love that passes understanding and sets us free from the fear of death.
1 Corinthians 15: 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
