Patience & Perseverance
REV CHARLIE (september 2020)
James 5: 7-11
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Life is good, but it is not always easy. Some people have it harder than others, but nobody goes through life without experiencing trials, struggles and heartache. Of course, our ultimate hope is in Christ’s return and in the subsequent renewal and restoration of all creation. That is what we understand by the phrase, ‘the Lord’s coming’ and we continue to wait patiently for that day.
Christians long for Jesus’ return, but that does not mean that we have a negative view of life in the here and now. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The fullness of life that Jesus offers is not only a future prospect but also a present reality. Fullness of life begins as soon as we give our lives to Jesus.
Again, with Jesus we can experience fullness of life, but not necessarily an easy life. We are constantly challenged by circumstances that require patience and perseverance. The COVID-19 pandemic is a case in point. Queensland is one of the least affected areas in the world, yet the impact has still been felt: loss of jobs, uncertainty about the future, inability to connect with and concern for loved ones in other states or countries, serious disruption to our normal routine, etc.
Our patience and perseverance are being tested, not so much waiting for Jesus to return, as waiting for this pandemic to end. Many people have pushed the pause button on their lives, metaphorically speaking, as a way of coping mentally. Activities that could be continued with some thought, imagination and perseverance, have been stopped altogether. Whilst this approach is understandable, it is not advisable, especially if those activities include ones that feed us spiritually.
So how can we experience fullness of life under the conditions of a global pandemic? Firstly, by recognising that God is in control. This pandemic does not alter God’s plan for creation, nor undermine our salvation. Jesus will still return and we will know the joy of living with him forever. Secondly, by recognising that this pandemic will end. It is disconcerting that we do not know when it will end, but it is time limited. One day we will be looking back on it, rather than being in the midst of it. This is true of all life’s trials. Thirdly, by continuing with all the things that are life giving, within the parameters of government advice and common sense. Let us continue praying and studying God’s word together, albeit via zoom; worshiping together on a Sunday, thus receiving strength and encouragement for the week ahead; and meeting together for mutual support and friendship. COVID-19 need not hinder us from experiencing fullness of life. We must persevere together and demonstrate the indomitable nature of Christ’s church.
In order to encourage and galvanise our church, we are holding an outdoor service on the 13th September (details in the newsletter below). This will be the first time that we have been able to gather the whole church in months and it is hoped that everyone will make this service a priority. If you have ‘hit pause’ on your life giving connection to Christ’s church, why not use this service as the catalyst to reconnect and join with us as we persevere together in the face of these challenging circumstances.
