And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days…and Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee. Luke 4:1,2b,14a
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
“It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.” - Julius Caesar
One day, your children or grandchildren will ask, “What did you do during the great pandemic of 2020?” What I don’t want to say is, “I gained 30 pounds and became unrecognizable.” Or, “I binge-watched Netflix and saw every episode of Breaking Bad, Tiger King and Star Trek Next Generation.”
As we go through an unprecedented time, there are those who’re dealing with loneliness, loss (or potential loss) of a job and fear of the future. Some are enduring small children in close quarters or long lines for food and other necessities. Still others have buried loved ones, without so much as a funeral to mark their passing.
In the midst of that, there’s still hope for when things go back to “normal,” or when we can at least go to our favorite restaurant and see friends and family without Zoom. However until then, how can we possibly handle the loneliness, loss, fear and endurance we’re experiencing now?
Quarantine
The word quarantine means: to impose isolation on (a person, animal, or place). To isolate is the primary root meaning. By isolating, we limit the ability of the virus to spread from one person to another. But the very word isolation means different things to different people.
For an extrovert, it’s the sentence of death. How can I live not being around people? Interaction with people is what fuels you.
For the introvert, depending on how introverted you are, it’s something to cherish. Alone, at last!
But no one is built to be isolated for months at a time (although some introverts would disagree). We are social beings at our core. To have prolonged limited interaction with people is not only unhealthy; it can be destructive to society as a whole.
Isolation
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days and nights, by himself, praying and fasting. We just hit 40 days of quarantine in my country today. I’ve not been fasting during my 40-day wilderness quarantine, to the contrary, I’ve been trying to stop eating everything in the house! When we’re in isolation, boredom kicks in and we look for something to sooth ourselves, to get the dopamine fix. Food, entertainment, social media, video games, etc., helps us avoid silence and inactivity with just our thoughts.
In His 40-day quarantine of prayer and fasting, Jesus communed with the Father. He didn’t focus on the external. Instead, He focused on the internal realities of the inner spirit.
Isolation is a time of quiet and listening rather than talking. To let our mind rest, so we can hear the quiet voice of the Spirit. I encourage you to set aside 15 minutes each day for stillness and silence; to listen and say nothing. This is the “Be still and know that I am God” prayer in Psalm 46:10 that overcomes isolation. It allows you to experience the reality of the God who lives in you - and who you live in.
Fear
Uncertainty can lead to fear. “When will this be over?” “Will I have a job?” “Will I get the virus?” “Do we have enough money to make it through the quarantine?” “What will life look like when we can go back to work and regular daily activities?”
Most of this is thinking about the future, but we can only live in the moment. The moment is precious and a gift, to be engaged and participated in. Your value is priceless to Papa God,
“Fear not, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:31
“For we are His masterpiece…” Ephesians 2:10a
Focus on this present moment in Christ - in the reality of your inclusion as a child who is loved, cared for and wanted. Your Papa God is always for you and never against you, He is thinking of you more times than there are sands on the sea shore. His desire is to love you and not manipulate you. You are loved, valued and accepted; one in Christ Jesus.
Hope and Love (Agape)
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, there IS hope for the future and a confidence that in the crucible of difficulty, you ARE loved. Suffering and sacrifice are what make agape love what it is. It is not selfish nor self-seeking, but always willing to give and endure (I Corinthians 13:4-8).
The endurance and love of Christ is your identity, not something you ask for. You already have His love and endurance living in you because you are in Christ (I John 4:17b). Simply thank Him in gratitude because of your union in Him.
He is the truth about you. Confess this with your mouth. Say it out loud let it sink deeply into your mind and soul. You are loved. And perfect love drives out fear (I John 4:18).
The pandemic will eventually be over, but in the midst of it, God is loving you, using all things for your good. So how do you handle the loneliness, loss, fear and endurance we’re experiencing now?
Bottom line: Rest in the finished work of your union in Christ, and enjoy your life in Him. Even in the midst of difficulties, stresses and hardships. In Him, you ARE endurance! And you ARE loved!