I was reading my monthly edition of Pressing On1 magazine this week and realized every congregation is handling the coronavirus pandemic very differently. The theme of this month’s publication is, Corona Virus – Now What? It contained several articles detailing the many changes and hardships associated with this year and how local churches are coping. As I kept reading, It seemed to me, many of the articles bemoaned 2020 as a lost year, full of restrictions and an inability to do the normal work of the church. Well, baloney! Or as Paul would put it, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”-Philippians 4:4.
Let me be clear and fair, not all the articles were whiney and it is certainly a wise thing to examine how our current tribulation affects our individual members and local churches as a whole. However, I am not a big fan of sitting around worrying about what we can’t do. Every situation in life is a chance to say, “What can I do?”
The Bible is filled with examples of Christians who turned bad times into good. Put, Paul in jail (Acts 16:27-34; 24:25; 26:29)? He’s not locked in there with the guards. They are locked in there with him! “I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound!”-II Timothy 2:9. Where does Jesus say, “Take up your cross and make disciples, unless you are in slight discomfort. Then don’t worry about it.”? Yes, it has been difficult to adjust to fewer services, masks, social distancing, hand sanitizer, and ZOOM. But I wonder what Christians who lived under Nero, Domitian, or Diocletian would think of our “hard times?”
Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying. It has been an adjustment. It is painful to go without hugs, in-person services, family holidays, normal sports, and the freedom of walking in public without a constant consciousness of a six-foot perimeter. There is no doubt it has caused higher levels of anxiety and depression. The virus has done lasting damage to those who have lost their health, loved ones, businesses, and jobs. My intent is not to minimize the real pain caused by the pandemic. But like all bad situations, I can control my response.
So does it help to imitate Eeyore and “woe is me” our way through the next six months? No! Count your many blessing see what God has done! I have forgiveness, the comfort of the Spirit, peace with God, a Savior and Lord who loved me enough to die for me, and my hope is anchored to the throne of heaven where my citizenship, my Savior, and my home are waiting! It is the perfect time to shine the light of Christian joy in a depressed and lonely world.
I am so proud of our little band of believers. We have not let the fields be overrun with weeds. We are growing and working to put in order this local work. We are reaching more people today through livestreams, radio, YouTube, and a newly renovated webpage. We have baptized new Christians and welcomed new members. Think of the opportunity we have to serve those who are uncomfortable meeting in person. There is no shortage of people to call, write, and encourage.
Plus, it takes a cheerful spirit to get through adversity and we are about to experience the worst of times with COVID-19. If we give in to Debbie Downer now, how will we survive the next six-months? The writer of Hebrews cites the joy and excitement of a new Christian as the best medicine when, “you have need of endurance,”-Hebrews 10:36. I know it is frustrating. We have no control over the virus. But we can pray to God for strength, enjoy small moments of pleasure, and open our eyes to see the fields of white waiting for workers. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”-Romans 12:12. And to quote the seven diminutives, “Whistle while you work!”
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