It was inevitable. Six weeks ago when the government started encouraging people to stay home, just about everyone was on board. The virus is extremely contagious, and we all were concerned about our health, and the health of our loved ones. But, as time has passed, people have started getting antsy. Many have lost their jobs, the economy has almost completely shut down, and the protests have begun. Whether you believe that there is legitimacy to the claims of government overreach, or you believe that protesters are acting selfishly and dangerously, it is clear that the patience of the American populace is wearing thin.
Protests have taken place in Ohio, North Carolina, New York, Kentucky, Wyoming, Utah, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, Oregon, Idaho and Washington. In Lansing, Michigan, almost 5,000 people showed up at the state Capitol on April 16th to protest the governor’s strong stay at home order. There has long been a debate over governmental regulation vs. personal liberty. The pandemic is putting these discordant views into sharp relief.
While patience is not typical for Americans, it is supposed to be ingrained into disciples of our Lord. Consider these passages:
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).
The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (Ecclesiastes 7:8).
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).
Consider especially Romans 5, as it has application to our current distress. Christians are suffering tribulation. The illness, lost jobs, and fear has hit God’s people. We are limited in our worship and fellowship with each other. But these troubles, if handled well, teach us patience. As we patiently endure we develop a great Christian character. With such growth and maturity, we will have our hope for heaven realized.
So, be patient. This will pass, as all things do. Use this difficulty as an opportunity for personal growth. “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4).
“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:25-26).
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