What a trying time we are in! Just as things appeared to be getting better, life just got challenging again.

In Melbourne, the lockdown restrictions and curfew have been extended, and those who have been clinging to the hope of returning to work will have to wait that little bit longer. Businesses which have been hanging on now face the very real risk of being tipped over the edge, and many will have to face another few weeks of being stuck at home. 

There are many things which are causing us pain and testing our resolve at this time. Stories and pictures in the media of children unable to visit dying parents or attend their funeral, parents separated from newborns due to border closures, a couple celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary through glass windows, and thousands of people out of work. 

This is especially tough because for a time, things had seemed to be improving.

When will life get back to normal? Will it ever? 

If you’re asking such questions, perhaps you might want to consider this perspective from the Bible. In Ecclesiastes, the Preacher notes that God has set a time for everything: 

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

While it is never easy living through challenging and trying times, in fact it can be so painful that we can despair, it is helpful for us to remember that our God sets the times. For those who are struggling because they are unable to see loved ones, or those who have lost jobs, God knows and cares. Not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from the will of our heavenly Father (Matthew 10:29).

If you feel your patience is being tested, take it to the Lord in prayer. Call on God and share your feelings and frustrations with Him. Who knows what might happen when we prevail upon Him more in prayer? Pray that He will give us the strength to persevere, the patience to wait for His answer, and the courage to say: Not my will, but Your will be done. Help me to fix my heart on You alone, my Refuge, my Rock, my Joy, and my Salvation. In these difficult times, please give me Your peace.