Brad McClure

To Shake or Not to Shake?

Brad McClure -

Has it happened to you yet?  

The awkward moment brought to you by the coronavirus when you walk up to someone and reach out to shake their hand only to get a dirty look and an elbow tap. If you do get a handshake you feel like you are breaking the new 11th commandment, “Thou shalt not shake hands with humans.” 

This last week has been crazy. Some are filled with fear others believe this is all blown out of proportion.  Here are a couple of thoughts to meditate on this week in the midst of the chaos.

Pray Trusting that God is in Control

A verse I keep coming back to is 2 Timothy 1:7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

In these times it’s important we remember that God is in control. This is not the time to be divisive, political, or overwhelmed with panic and fear. We must be prayerful, loving, and hopeful. 

Pray for our leaders as they make difficult decisions. Pray for the sick and the medical professionals caring for them, working long hours under intense public pressure. Pray that hearts will be open to the gospel in the midst of this chaos.

Turn Your Fear to Faith

Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wiltnot thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

~ Psalm 56:8-13

Shortly after a time in David’s life when he was overcome with fear, he tells us what helped him turn his fear to faith. In these times of uncertainty we need to remember these same truths:

  1. He knew God cared. Don’t believe the lie that God doesn’t care what is going on. The higher the death count the more tempted we will be to ask God “why.” In our sin cursed world there will be difficult times, but God does care and will hear our prayers.
  2. He knew that God answers prayer. David had a genuine and consistent prayer life where he poured his heart out to God. Do we? God still answers prayer today. Sadly, we often don’t pray.
  3. He knew that God was for him. I love the verse above where David says, “this I know, for God is for me.” What a wonderful thought to meditate on. God is for you! Never believe that lie that God is against you or trying to punish you. Jesus took your punishment. God is for you!
  4. He knew that God’s promises were true. And they still are today. Immerse yourself in God’s Word and exchange your thoughts of anxiety with the promises of God.
  5. He knew that God had a plan for him. God has a plan for each and every one of us. Many times that plan involves trials. Whatever God’s plan is for our lives know this, it is always for our good and His glory!

I’m not a medical expert an I have no prediction of what will come this week or in the weeks to come, but I do know this: God is in control. This truth should not lead us to a passive careless attitude, but rather it should drive us to our knees asking God to work in this time to bring glory to Himself.

Time with tell if the Coronavirus will be the death of all handshakes. But whether a hand shaker or elbow tapper, don’t forget–God is in control. Trust him. Cry out to Him and know that God is for you!