Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
James 1:2-4 (NLT)
So the COVID train continues on its journey. There have been no stops at the station nor has it jumped the tracks. The excitement of the train ride is wearing off. The Bible verse above tells us this is a “test of our faith”. When we consider taking a “test,” we always desire to “pass it with flying colors”. The meaning to this saying means “to pass with distinction”, i.e., to be victorious. To persevere means “continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty”. Endurance speaks of “the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.”
It is imperative that we “choose” to accept the journey and make it as pleasant as we can for others, namely our family. 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT) says, “When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” As parents, we must be the adult in this situation. The outcome of this season of life is not about us or our discomfort; it’s about glorifying God by our response to it so that our “endurance may fully develop”. Our children will benefit from enduring also.
The COVID-19 experience is going to fully blossom through our ability to persevere with dignity and joy. As in Ecclesiastes 11:9 (NLT): “Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do.” If we can adjust our thinking to consider our “stewardship” of this unique time, and look up to the Lord for His position in all of this, then we look to Him alone for our accountability in how we respond to it. This “choice” changes the journey and the outcome.
The family dinner table has once again come into view, use it with great joy. There is a “slowing down” effect because our activity levels are greatly reduced, which creates opportunity for greater things than mere busyness. Back to the train ride, choose to enjoy the scenery and the experience. Don’t live expecting joy only when this ends. Every day is a gift. The words of Jesus in Matthew 12:36 (NLT): “And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.”
Our victory comes in getting through this with an investment of ourselves into this unexpected opportunity. Let’s roll up our sleeves and “get to work” making the most of this. Our children can learn socialization in our homes with how we all treat each other. The train will stop when God tells it to stop. Let’s see what He wants to accomplish in our hearts and the life of our family. When His perfect work is complete we can get off at the next stop.
