During this time of COVID-19, I have often felt frustrated because I have not been able to do what I want, which leaves me feeling that I am doing nothing.

For an active person this can be frustrating and demotivating. I therefore started to reflect on some of the characters in the Bible who seemingly were in a similar position.

Paul was often in prison. He was also often travelling either by land or sea. And, because he had to earn an income as a tentmaker, he was frequently unable to carry out his ministry. Yet, it was during these times that he managed to write the Epistles, which have blessed christians in all generations.

David was hiding in caves from Saul; Joseph was locked up in a prison; Elijah had to hide by the brook Cherith; Moses was forty years in the backside of the desert.

These periods of seemingly doing nothing can be periods of growth, learning, drawing closer to God, and doing important things that in your busy-ness you never found time for. 

However, if we let our impatience get the better of us, it will become a time of frustration instead of a time of growth. When the Jews were being pursued by the Egyptians, Moses said, ‘stand still and see the salvation of the lord’ (Exodus 14:13). 

In Isaiah 30:15, God says, ‘in quietness and confidence is your strength’. And, in 1 Samuel 30, David made a law in Israel that those who wait are entitled to an equal share with those who fight the battle. So, be encouraged: while you may be in a time of waiting, God is still fighting your battles.