If We Faint Not by Lance Fulse
I do not know about you, but I am exhausted with this pandemic. I am exhausted that HR professionals are counted on to make most or all decisions COVID related such as who should come to work, who needs a test, who needs to quarantine, who else was affected, etc.
I am exhausted when I see the Polk County School Board’s phone number show up on my phone waiting for them to give me the news about a new COVID-19 case at my family’s school.
I am exhausted with the election, exhausted with cruel words, exhausted with lack of compassion and empathy. Another person’s reality is questioned because it is not ours, and somehow, we are offended by it. There are so many things going on right now that make it is easy for us to allow ourselves to be frustrated and less tolerant of things and others. It seems that everyone is a critic and believes that their opinions are factual about everything, and they will share it with you whether you want to hear it or not. I can hear my grandma saying, “Just tired of being sick and tired.” I know most of us are feeling this way, but we must hold on to hope that this too shall pass.
We cannot allow the aggressiveness and pettiness of others’ actions to weigh us down every day. In Hebrews 12:1 it says, “Lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” It is awful enough that we are living during a time that has significantly changed how we live our lives each day. That alone is exasperating. Why do we have such aggressive opinions on decisions others make for themselves? For example, if a person wears a mask, they are accused of living in fear or labeled as sheep. If a person does not wear a mask, they are called stupid and selfish. Should we not allow people to decide for themselves what is best for them and their families without taking offense to it and vice versa? What if we just respected the other person’s boundaries?
You would think we could find other things to be upset over other than the choice another person makes for themselves. Can we all have our own opinions and beliefs without drawing a critical response from others? For those of us who are on social media, we can see the visceral reactions to the world that are being spread back and forth. It can be exhausting and disheartening to read some of the comments. In my opinion, those of us who identify as Christians should be careful what we post on social media. It is the example that we set for believers as well as unbelievers that can help deliver us in our time of struggle and unbelief. 1 Corinthians 14:33 reads, “My God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” How are we demonstrating the love of God during a time filled with anxiety, hate, confusion, and unbelief? We are commanded to be a light in the darkness not a source of darkness.
How do we get ourselves to a place of peace during chaos? How do we revive our energy and tolerance while granting others the grace that God has so generously given us? I know it is hard, and we want to start snapping on people. I get it! Our physical and mental resources are drained. Our temples are running on empty, and if we do not take the time to refuel, we will find ourselves saying and doing things that do not show a reflection of the God we serve. We must refocus and refresh our hearts and minds. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is---his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
There are some things we can do to help with exhaustion, frustration, and insecurity. Maybe we can take a pause from social media or know when to keep scrolling. We can decide to go outside and take a walk, dive into a good book or into the word of God. We can listen to some inspirational music or a motivational vlog. We can do more positive family functions such as cooking together, playing board games, and just laughing out loud. What if we did not take things so seriously…especially those things that are not our business? What if, instead, we rested in the fact that God is good, and he is in control. What if we focused on allowing him to be God and trust that he is working it out for us?
How do we continue to hold on and faint not? Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. There are many scriptures that will help us in our time of fatigue and uncertainty when our mind and hearts are exhausted including Philippians 4: 6 – 7 which says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Then there’s Matthew 11: 28 – 30 which reads, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Take a deep breath, let go and let God. It is not the time to faint; we must be strong and of good courage knowing that God is in control no matter how it looks. I encourage you to live life abundantly each day.