ICS Daily Devotions
Be Anxious for Nothing

All of us are used to living in a fast-paced society regardless whether it is Shanghai, New York, Singapore or Hong Kong. COVID-19 has thrown a curve ball into the works and brought us to a halt. Fortunately, the economy is slowly but definitely picking up albeit being a K-shaped recovery (an uneven economic recovery). COVID-19 has made it even more difficult as some industries are really struggling to recover from it. Prior to this, the job opportunities in Shanghai for foreigners were already changing and some jobs were no longer available. Some of the industries have moved out of Shanghai to the West of China or even to regional countries where the labor cost is lower. China has moved ahead in some industries especially in IT and Fintech. 5G and Fintech have rolled out and will continue to introduce new opportunities for Shanghai and China. Similarly, these new IT and Fintech industries have also picked up across the world due to COVID-19. Some of us who are older might feel that we do not have the experience or background to pivot to the new developments but with God nothing is impossible for those who believe and try. There are certain positions which no longer have expatriate packages and are employing local talents or localizing the packages. All these changes can add a lot of pressure on us and the family. We can become anxious about them.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

We are not used to losing control over our lives. Unfortunately, there are occasions when we will lose control of our lives, overcome by the circumstances and the situation is beyond our control. We can be overcome by stress and anxiety. It is normal. We are only human. God’s Word will provide us with answers to know how to react in the event of any unforeseen circumstances. We will experience His peace in our lives in the midst of a perfect storm. We are thus able to respond with a text book response in times of tribulation and maintain the peace! That is faith. Faith in the Word of God. Our theological stand will determine and greatly influence our thought life.

The job of the Senior Pastor is to preach and train his congregation from the Word so that they are able to respond to tribulations in life with the Word of God. This is why members and the pastor come together in the midst of a crisis to put their faith in God. This is the reason why we should be faithful and be committed to a home church when we are in Shanghai or in our home country.

Sermon Series: Don’t Panic