Crisis, Christians, and the Coronavirus

As I pen this piece, news on the coronavirus changes hourly.
New restrictions are added, and fear of the unknown rises. It is my prayer to speak to fellow Christians, as a voice of encouragement during these trying times, reminding us of the God we serve and say we believe in.
We do not balk at faith. Instead, we walk by faith, meaning we confidently step forward without seeing what is ahead.
Despite what is happening, the Christian knows God is sovereign, meaning He reigns and rules over everything. If God allowed it, He will bring good out of it. This truth isn’t wishful thinking, but rather faithful thinking that knows and understands God’s character. 
As such, we should peacefully rely upon that He is always working, even when we don’t see or feel it; and yes, he works through the outbreak of an unknown virus.
The believer shouldn’t respond like the world, not because we are better or we are swept away by delusions, but because we are hopeful. Our hope is eternal – “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Corinthians 15:19).
However, we are not people to be pitied, but people to be followed, as our road leads you back to our God, who alone is in control and can offer eternal life. He died on a cross and was resurrected from a grave to provide us salvation for our souls. What a reminder of this hope, as we look towards Good Friday and Easter – even if we can’t worship together in a building. He is alive, therefore we live.
While we understand the importance of walking in wisdom and following government recommendations that pertain to the coronavirus, we should also be standing under faith, not fear, as we choose to pay homage to a sovereign God, who sits enthroned above times of uncertainty.
Hear me carefully; I am not saying Christians are immune to a disease or a virus, or from any form of tragedy touching our lives. Instead, I am saying that we should navigate such waters with peace and purpose. We know the One who holds our world together, and we serve the One who walks on top of the raging waters (see Matthew 14:22-33).
Like Peter on the boat, we walk to Him when He says, “come.” Unlike Peter, we look to Him instead of the waves, wind and storm. He is “the Lord [who] sat enthroned at the flood, and the Lord sits as King forever” (Psalm 29:10).
ED. NOTE: Maher is the teaching pastor at Coastal Christian Ocean City and is president of Soldiers For Faith Ministries. Social media and website: @TruthOverTrend.