And so the COVID-19 storm continues. In some areas raging; in others, the “hurricane”  looms offshore, making a steady approach. In the rural areas, as we sit in the calmer eye of the storm, folks feel a little restless. Our initial “throw me in the briar patch” response to the stay-at-home order turns to a startled, “What do you mean this won’t peak for four weeks?” We’re not mentally prepared for a slow recovery on the other side of the summit. The novelty wears off as reality sets in.

Depending on proximity to the front lines, perspectives range from being inconvenienced to battling exhaustion and fear. As the hurricane wall edges ever closer, we begin to perceive more keenly what those ahead of us in the path of the storm have been shouting over their shoulders. Results of our hunkered down nation start piling up around us: newbie home-school parents and children become taxed and irritated with the task and each other; as businesses close, thousands stand in cyber-unemployment lines, concern etched in their brow; those with anxiety, depression or recovery histories moan with the struggle to hang tough; the hits on the economy, trickling to our 401(k)s and bank balances raises our worry meters; the names of the exposed, diagnosed or fighting for life creep into our intimate circle of family and friends.

How do we stay strong as we continue through this murky, surreal scenario in which we find ourselves?

With perseverance. “A steady persistence in a course of action or purpose in spite of difficulties, obstacles and discouragement”. God talks about the importance of perseverance in His Word.

“…we also glory in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character hope.”
Romans 5:3-4

“…make every effort to add to your faith, goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control;
and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love.”
2 Peter 1:5-7 

So how do we practice God-directed perseverance now, in this hard?

We persevere in obedience. Edicts issued by the government must be followed until lifted. We continue with diligence to wash hands, practice social distancing, and stay at home as much as possible. No matter what we think, no matter how we feel, we keep on keepin’ on.

We persevere in thankfulness.  In recent years, maintaining a list of thanks on a daily basis has been taught and practiced. Let’s blow the dust off those lists and knit that back into our daily routine. Not only do we reap the rewards of obeying Jesus to “in all things give thanks” (Philippians 4:6), but we remember to watch for evidence of God’s presence. Calling out the small graces He sprinkles over our daily lives. Counting His blessings one by one. Naming the treasures in our hard He so graciously gives.

We persevere in pressing-in.  This is not a time to be lackadaisical in the disciplines of faith. God has not removed many of our every day distractions and time-fillers so we have more time to stare at screens or to tackle more things on our project list. If we simply fly from one fast-track to another, we are missing a great opportunity to use this slow-down to seek the face of God with earnestness, as He longs for us to do. Those who seek Him, will find Him. (1 Chronicles 16:11, Psalm 63:1)

We persevere in prayer. This worldwide pandemic turns more personal every day, and our prayer concerns grow. Physically, financially, emotionally – people are shaken. And here we are, asked to stay put. We can’t hug someone emotionally hurting. We can’t visit someone who lies sick. We can’t show up with games and coffee to hang out with someone who feels alone. So, what can we do that is more powerful than all of our normal tendencies and responses? We pray. Prayer is powerful and effective. Prayer penetrates. Prayer protects. Prayer heals. Prayer comforts. Prayer keeps a viable lifeline running between us and our Source of strength and joy. (Colossians 4:2, Hebrews 5:7, James 5:16) 

As we press in and grow fervent in prayer, we morph from passive, holed-up, bystanders into vibrant warriors, alive and active on the front lines of spiritual warfare. Wisdom and guidance reveal to us how to reach out and serve in safe, effective ways. And where we can’t go, His Spirit can. Our prayers project the light of Jesus into virus-stricken lives, neighborhoods and nations.

Through these practices we carry-on, strong in purpose, yet kept in perfect peace, because our minds are steadfast in trusting our Father God. (Isaiah 26:3)