Ebola: Where is Protection?

The dreaded disease has hit Dallas. Not just anywhere, either. The same Dallas hospital where my older daughter is interning in dietetics. What are the chances of that happening—going from Liberia to that very hospital? And what are the chances that it could keep spreading to other cities? How can we be protected?

We can all agree that everyone is very concerned. The news updates keep us constantly informed on the latest cases and where they are being treated. I imagine that we will be hearing about this disease and its spread for quite a while to come, but as I write this, there have been two confirmed domestic cases so far—and let’s pray that’s all. It is my fervent prayer that all those infected will get well.

The burning question, then, is how do we protect our own health and the health of our families? Since I am personally dealing with this issue, I want to share the strategy given to us in God’s Word.

Psalm 91 has been the 9-1-1 psalm since September 11th. Let’s look at what Ezra has to say about God’s protection..

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust” (1-2 NAS).

God has a place where we can live apart from danger, and we can trust Him to cover us with His hand of protection. This shelter is not made with human hands, but is found in a spiritual dimension. So why would you be interested in living there? Ezra continues:

For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark (3-4 NAS).

We don’t have to fear being caught in the enemy’s hidden trap or catching a fatal disease. Like a mother bird, God has a covering over us where He will keep us completely safe. His faithfulness to us will never waver, being drawn over us like a shield in battle that the enemy’s weapons cannot penetrate. How comforting to know that He faithfully protects us.

You will not be afraid of the terror by night or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked (5-8 NAS).

Notice how pestilence is compared to a stalker–one who lurks in the dark, ready to spring on its next victim. A virus is naked to the human eye and is cloaked in darkness, in that sense. Although people are taking every natural precaution to not catch this disease, our protection from God takes away that fear, helping us to continue on with our lives in the midst of natural danger.

Isn’t it reassuring to know how powerful God is? He completely protects His children 24/7. This word may be especially comforting to those who work at a hospital where Ebola patients are or who may live close to the apartments where those who became sick with Ebola reside. It is especially comforting to me, with my precious daughter working so closely in such an environment.

For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways (9-11 NAS).

Looking for a protective hiding place? It is found in Jesus, the Son of God. It’s a spiritual dwelling that you enter from the foot of the Cross.  No admission charge–just come as you are. Wash your sins away in the Blood of the Lamb and enter into His Kingdom. That’s where we can all dwell safely in these perilous days and for eternity.