December 19

John Knight, PSC Elder

Psalm 115; James 5:7–11

PATIENCE does not come easily to me, nor to most people, under ordinary circumstances. During a time of suffering, however, patience is even harder. We have endured more than nine months of the current pandemic with its hardships of isolation, deprivation, and despair. Back in March, I was hoping for the summertime fade that never came. We had to cancel our planned trip to Hawaii to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the missionaries commissioned at Park Street Church. Next, we had to cancel a planned Medical STM to the Middle East. Now we find ourselves planning for Christmas without family gatherings. Will it never end?

A dear brother recently shared with me that his faculty mentor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary said that God has sent us all to our rooms. It is a great analogy! Perhaps the Father wants us all “to think about what you have done!”, or perhaps more importantly, “to think about what you have not done.” It has now been more than a month since our Global Missions Conference. Have we acted upon His command to “preach the Gospel to every living creature”? Are we fervently praying? Are we giving sacrificially? Have we joined a Missionary Care Team? Are we seeking a call to serve? While international travel is restricted, we can still minister locally through City Engagement.

So let us be patient today as we await the Lord’s coming again. It is then and only then that we shall see an end to sickness, suffering and death. However, let us also take action to prepare for that great day! Let us carry the good news of His great compassion and mercy to a lost and hurting world, so that we can one day be considered among the steadfast who are truly blessed.