This Is Part II of III; Here’s the First Part and Here’s the Third Part

What If How I Respond to this Season Can Shape Me into Someone Who Is More Christlike?

So if this corona virus season of social distancing and stay at home orders are a little bit like exile, maybe something good can come of it. Maybe this exile can be worthwhile. Maybe it can make me into a better reflection of who Jesus is. Ok, I’m not suffering-suffering, but I think this difficulty can shape me in positive ways. Just like working out shapes me, just like denying myself shapes me, maybe this stay at home season can make me a better human. 

Hardships can create endurance. There’s something about struggle that creates an opportunity to become stronger. Of course, that same point of struggle can be a place where I give in and become self-indulgent. Many times in these last few weeks, I’ve felt myself balancing on that knife’s edge of struggle. I have often misstepped and given into selfishness. Instead of extending grace, I snap at Kay Charlotte. Instead of maintaining discipline, I gobble up another brownie, in an attempt to feel better, at least for a few minutes. But I’m also finding that I can make better choices. I’m reminded of Paul’s words:

See also James 1:2-4 

God is using this background anxiety I’m feeling. God is shaping me in my growing stir-craziness. I can cooperate with Holy Spirit and resist that part of me that wants to give in. I can let it shape my character. I can learn endurance. And COVID 19 has given me a unique opportunity to grow in exile.