By David Phillips
I suppose by now we should be getting pretty good at this. After all, it’s been a couple of weeks since we began getting the orders for social isolation and distancing. I hate to admit it, but it has started to become routine for me – actually so routine that I’m beginning to feel like I need a break from it. Hopefully, we are all letting this change in routine bring a few good things into our daily behavioral patterns. A little more time spent in Bible study and prayer; a little bit of an increase in productivity toward those projects around the house we’ve put off for so long; an increase in positive time with the family.
In all likelihood, a few challenges have also appeared along the way. The challenge of self-discipline is always present when we have an unusual amount of time on our hands. The challenge of prioritizing is definitely at hand, with regard to both spiritual and physical things. When our routine is all shaken up and we are faced with a pile of the unexpected, one of the greatest challenges is that of properly applying patience.
Patience is a concept that the Bible renders in at least different ways, depending on the translation you are reading from. One of my favorite passages on patience is James 1:2-4 – My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (KJV)
For patience in that text, the NASB uses the term endurance; in the ESV, it is steadfastness. The NIV renders it perseverance. Each of those terms brings something to the table in applying James’ instruction here. Patience is a word that suggests selflessness, and helps us remember that we may not be nearly as big nor quite as important as we thought we were. Endurance reminds us that our timetable is not always the one that God uses, therefore ours is not usually the best. Steadfastness demands that we hold our (proper) place firmly. Perseverance slams the door on any thought of giving up and quitting.
So, when we encounter various trials, don’t be angry, or frustrated, or bitter, but rejoice in the fact that God has a plan to make us better, through those trials. When these difficulties, trials, ordeals, put us to the test, it is our faith that should bear us up, and the resulting growth of our patient, enduring, steadfast perseverance will help us to be better equipped to face whatever is ahead.
One final admonition that we all probably need. We’re looking forward to the end of this COVID-19 ordeal, and the chorus of voices is loud, demanding to know “how much longer?”. James reminds us that our patience shouldn’t just focus on the end of this present difficulty, but much farther: Be patient, therefore, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord… (James 5:7)
This whole adventure is wearing on us, no doubt. Let’s remember where our strength comes from, and how blessed we are to be His children. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. (1 Pet.5:10)
God bless.