In endurance sports such as cycling and running, hitting the wall or the bonk is a condition of sudden fatigue and loss of energy which is caused by the depletion of glycogen stores in the liver and muscles. In German, hitting the wall is known as “der Mann mit dem Hammer” (“the man with the hammer”); the phenomenon is thus likened to a man with the hammer coming after the athlete, catching up, and eventually hitting the athlete, causing a sudden drop in performance. (Wikipedia)
I don’t know this by personal experience, but Marathon athletes say this occurs typically around the 20-mile mark. As I read the news, it seems that many have “hit the wall” in this pandemic marathon. There is a desire to “return to normal” as soon as possible. I don’t deny that desire, and I’m sure you feel the same.
As a Pastor and Shepard of God’s people, I have a passion and obligation to lead them by example and by the Word of God. Three words speak to my spirit at this point in the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Faith, Patience, Perseverance
Faith: As Christians, we know that our Father God is in control of the affairs of life. We don’t always understand all that is happening, but we live by faith in God’s goodness, love, and mercy. I believe in preaching faith in God as we go through every situation of life. Confidence that no matter what people may do, God is in control.
Patience: We live in the age of the instant. This current situation is testing our patience. It seems that there is a process of time necessary to gain some measure of control over this virus. Many are going to break out and do what they want despite what the medical experts or our elected leaders suggest. As a Christian leader, I feel the need to teach and be an example of patience.
Perseverance: Patience and perseverance are closely related words in the Bible. We need both today. We must be patient while persevering, and by this, I mean, “stay the course.”
Pastors, brothers and sisters, let’s be an example to our people of Faith, Patience, and Perseverance. In our teaching, conversations, messages, and social media postings. I believe that pastors and leaders who do this will find that God will help you, and your testimony to the church and the world will be as it should. God will see us through this with His church coming through more influential, no matter how long it takes.
Larry Neville Larry@praisechapel.com