Choosing to #RejoiceInHope
The new year 2020 felt old very quickly. Hardly had the news of earthquakes in the South died down when Taal decided to act up by spewing ashes—and while we are about to take off masks worn to protect ourselves, it’s back on again with the spread of Covid-19.
Through all these, one emotion seemed to constantly be stirred in our tired hearts: fear. It is in many ways not surprising. It is one of the primal emotions that levels humanity.
The thing is, for Christians, it doesn’t have to be this way. We are the redeemed among humanity and that means we have a choice. We can feel fear, yes—but we can choose not to let it drive us. We can choose to let our hope carry us, and not just hope in anything—not vaccines, not good doctors, not our immune system, not even our resilience as human beings—but hope in Christ. Yes, our bodies, effective governance, reliable structures, good doctors, and vaccines may be some of the ways that God reveals His faithfulness. But beyond that, it is in putting our hope in the One who knows best how to carry us through fearful times that makes the difference.
The distinctiveness of where we place our hope is key. It is what sets us apart as a testimony to the nations. It is also a profound privilege that the Loving, Almighty Creator-God through Jesus Christ is an immovable, constant reality our spiritual eyes can see and choose to focus on.
And that’s the challenge for us Christians: Can we choose not to follow the human tendency of knee-jerk, fearful reactions? Can we choose instead to keep calm, believing that our loving God-in-Christ knows what we don’t know, sees what we don’t see, and is in control of things we can’t control?
As we do so, we display hopeful joy amidst despairing fear.
As we do so, we testify of God’s glory and greatness.
As we do so, we may draw more people to Himself—turning this season of fear to a season of hope.
JOJIE WONG works with OMF International, helping churches to develop a greater concern for the world, especially Asia. She also mentors young people in their journey with God and writes children’s books.
She has written several books for Hiyas and OMF Literature: Peter and Ahmed, David and His New Classmate, Nico and Alug in Manoboland, Hudson Taylor and the Great Impossible, Gideon and God’s 300, and Who’s Afraid of Giant Goliath