So here we are. We have done our 15 days to slow the spread. It hasn’t been a piece of cake but looking forward to getting back to normal has helped us endure, hasn’t it. And now they tell us it’s going to be another – not 15 days, but 30! Arghhhhhh!

A couple of thoughts:

First a reminder. As I said in the Sunday message, what we are doing here is participating in the love of God. We are actively (though it seems inactive) engaged in doing good to our neighbor – and that is our calling and privilege as followers of Christ.

But let’s be honest, it’s hard, not only in this instance, but in any circumstance, when we hold on with an expectation like it’s only two weeks; or when we’re told we should hear something by such and such a time; or that the check is in the mail; or when someone has promised to do something by a certain date – only to find out that there is a further problem or delay. It’s hard not to react to these disappointments; giving in to our frustration or anger and maybe saying or doing things that we end up regretting.

We’ll….yours truly used to deal with anger issues on a pretty regular basis. It was a long and difficult road to healing as the Lord showed me the insecurities that guided a lot of my life. Dealing with those insecurities was part of my deliverance. Another part was coming to realize that God was in charge of my life and that He was working all things together for my good. (Romans 8:28) If then I was complaining or angry about how a situation was turning out, I was really mad at God; but even more importantly, I realized I was not trusting the God who loved me to work these “all things” for good. Circumstances are what they are, but I can tell you that how we view those circumstances – either with frustration and anger – or with faith and thankfulness – makes a HUGE difference for us and everyone around us!!

By now, we are all feeling the impact of these changes in our lives. Some are bored and want to get out despite what the authorities are pleading with us to do, others are busy and tired. To everyone I say stay the course. This is a time to shine. This is a time to remember that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). We can expect His grace to be sufficient (and with God that means abundant) to meet whatever need we have as we continue not only to do what we have been doing, but to do it with grace and patience and the kind of positive attitude founded in faith that makes that faith attractive to the world around us.

Galatians 6:9–10 (ESV) — 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

James 1:4 (ESV) — 4 And let steadfastness [perseverance] have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

And let’s continue with the other things…stay hydrated, keep up with at least mild exercise like walking, eat nutritious food, get enough sleep, manage stress through prayer/Bible reading/pleasant activities, and by all means stay connected with others through the phone or online. We can get through this together!!

As we continue to practice physical distancing and these other measures (wisdom) and continue to pray and believe God (faith) my hope and expectation is that Ontario County’s numbers will stay low and we will reap what we have sown. And if you need anything, please let me know.

Stay the course!

-PR