“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. - James 1:2-4
I used to cling to this verse for so many different reasons throughout my life – trouble in school or teen drama, multiple knee surgeries and medical issues, ongoing parenting challenges, but the year 2020 has taken this verse to a whole different level in my life. Maybe you can relate either to this verse or a different one in your life. I have never doubted God’s ability to bring me through a challenge. I have trusted Him completely, even when I haven’t always liked where He was leading me. I did this because when I remembered this verse, I always wanted to prove my “steadfastness” and “be complete”.
When God called me into ministry, I didn’t magically think all the challenges would go away. I knew there would be plenty because we know Satan attacks when God’s work is being done. However, this year has brought a whole new testing of my faith, which I’m sure it has for you in some ways as well. Sure, the personal side of life has been affected with the pandemic – kids being home instead of at school, no vacations, limited gatherings, plan after plan cancelled. But then there’s the ministry side of it. You see, ministry is without a doubt, a calling. I was called to reach children with the Good News. It is literally my everyday job, as well as my volunteer time. But now I am being told the avenues in which I normally minister to children, I am not allowed to at this time. Schools are closed or not allowing after school activities, churches are still limited on group gatherings and if you’ve ever worked (or been around children) you know socially distancing is extremely difficult. It’s not natural for children to distance themselves from each other. We are currently living in a world where everything is now offered digitally, which gives you something to offer, but a screen will never replace a relationship that a teacher can have with a student. School teachers are struggling even more so with this as they attempt to build online lessons and arrange for virtual schooling. The relational side for these children is severely impacted. I know I deeply miss my kids and the ability to teach them God’s Word face to face. Does this mean I can’t minister and God is not in control? Absolutely not. It is a testing of my faith to trust that the God who called me to ministry will also be with me and guide me through the challenges I face in the midst of a pandemic.
My calling is to reach children with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
My challenge is to reach children with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Are you finding you are being tested as well? I imagine you are. Are there days I want to throw in the towel because I’m overwhelmed with how to move forward? Honestly, yes. But then God whispers James 1 in my ear and reminds me that being steadfast is an ongoing process of growing our faith. It is a lifelong process of trusting, having faith, pushing through challenges, and looking to God above all else. Am I the only one in ministry struggling with this? Absolutely not. I pray constantly for missionaries around the world who are at a standstill in the avenues they normally use to push the Gospel forward. I pray for the Pastors who would love to resume normal church meetings and studies. I pray for the individuals who just desperately want to visit their elderly neighbor to offer hope and companionship and can’t. I know I am not alone in these struggles. I pray that this testing of my faith - our faith - will produce a steadfastness like never before and that we will push through and trust God and that more and more hearts will turn to Him. Keep trusting and know that God is still very present and he will bring you through whatever challenge you are facing. May you continue to be steadfast in serving Him!
~Joanne Flaker