I remember first hearing about the corona virus. We all got our masks, hand sanitizer (I had to make some for us because the stores were out), and Clorox wipes. We ventured out only when necessary, like to the grocery store. Otherwise we stayed put, not daring to show our faces (or respiratory tracts) in public.

We watched in horror as New York Gov. Cuomo shared how the virus had affected his state, wondering if there would be enough equipment of every kind to protect the health care workers and save the lives of patients. We tuned in to  the White House Task Force report daily, hanging on every word. We were terrified of contracting the virus.

Slowly things began to change. We started going out to walk and bike. We began to go into non-essential stores with our masks on, noticing some were not wearing theirs. We got tired of hearing about the virus day after day and quit watching. Restaurants began to open, some providing in house dining and some dining on the patio. Guests appeared.

Then, a new threat emerged. In the wake of racial and police brutality, protestors stormed state capitols, central areas in large cities, and even gathered  in small towns to demand justice. As more and more people came together, rallying around a cause deemed far more important than corona virus protection, the virus spiked again. 

We cannot stop wearing our masks, using hand sanitizer, washing our hands often, staying six feet apart, and avoiding crowds. It’s gotten old, but we have to keep on keeping on.

It’s pretty easy to start strong, but as time wears on, we are ready for this to be over. We want to quit doing the inconvenient things we have been told to do. We want to see friends and family, hug people, shake hands, get back to normal. And yet, we can’t.

While we are experiencing a type of suffering with corona virus, It is mild compared to what the early Christian church encountered. First Century Christians were persecuted, abused, and mocked. They got tired of it as well, so the Apostle Paul encouraged them, “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9)

Many probably felt that being a Christian was too hard. Christianity taught them to put others ahead of themselves, to forgive, to love unconditionally, to serve, and to share all they had with their fellowships of faith.  And, after all this, they were ridiculed and persecuted by the non-Christian communities around them.

When we are suffering in any way, what gems of wisdom can we glean from God’s Word?  Consider these.

1. Take one day at a time. As part of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matt. 6, The Message).
2. Remember, we are just passing through planet earth. Our true home is in heaven (1 Peter 2:11). We’re not going to be here very long in the eternal scheme of things.
3. In our weakness, God’s grace is sufficient. Three times Paul asked God to remove the “thorn in his flesh.” God did not remove it, but promised grace to endure.  Paul saw that his weakness was actually a strength because God  manifested Himself through it. “When I am weak,” he wrote, “Then I am strong.” (2 Cor. 12:7-15).
4. Let God do all the worrying. He can handle it. We can’t. “Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7).
5. Even in our corona virus handicapped world, we can continue to make progress and serve others. The prophet Habakkuk, in the midst of grim times, writes these beautiful words (Habakkuk 3:17-19, Amplified version):“Though the fig tree does not blossomAnd there is no fruit on the vines,Though the yield of the olive failsAnd the fields produce no food,Though the flock is cut off from the foldAnd there are no cattle in the stalls,Yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the Lord;I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvationThe Lord God is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army];He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feetAnd makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility].”    In this corona virus world, paying the price to stay well is worth it; but what is even more valuable is eternal life in Christ Jesus and that is worth everything we have. Let us not grow weary in doing what is right.