When You Are Concerned About Pestilence

“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matt. 24:7-8)

Pestilence: A contagious or infectious epidemic disease that is virulent and devastating.

Throughout history, humanity has experienced outbreaks of disease, epidemics, and widespread illness. The Bible acknowledges that pestilences will occur and even lists them among the signs that characterize the last days. While sickness and disease can create fear and uncertainty, God’s people are not called to live in fear. We are called to trust in the Lord and seek Him in times of trouble.

When pestilence strikes, our first response should not be panic but prayer. God invites us to run to Him as our refuge and protector.

“Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.” (Psalm 91:3)

King Jehoshaphat understood this principle. When facing overwhelming circumstances, he declared:

“If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence… and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.” (2 Chron. 20:9)

The Lord remains our healer, protector, and source of hope

No matter what may be happening around us, we can confidently turn to Him, knowing that He hears our prayers and cares for His people.

Therefore

When disease, fear, or uncertainty seem to surround you, draw near to God. Seek His presence, trust His promises, and remember that He is still the Lord who heals, restores, and sustains His people.

“Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.” (Hosea 6:1 ESV)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy…” (Psalms 103:2-4 ESV) 

“Saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.” (Exo. 15:26 ESV)

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 ESV)

“But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.” (Mal. 4:2)

Quote

“How sweet the name of Jesus sounds, in a believer's ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.” - John Newton