Keep on going even when it is challenging (Louise Wells)

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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12v1)

As the clock struck midnight on 31st December 2019, I took a deep breath. 2019 had not been an easy year and I felt as if it was time to move forward, a New Year. But the start to 2020 wasn’t easy and now we are in the middle of a global pandemic.  

Certainly the race marked out for us all at present requires perseverance. We are all struck by the many trials this year and many worries: job security, health worries, challenges of home schooling and having to stay at home most of the time, some of us alone.

I write this as I want to remind you that you are not alone. The early Christians were told they would need perseverance and it is something we need today. We may be feeling tired by the new and different ways to communicate, but let's persevere and continue to love and support one another.  

Lord Jesus we come to you today knowing that we need your help to keep going. Please give us the strength for today that we need to get through the day. Amen

As I said yesterday I have asked a few people in our church family a few questions. Today's question is “What have you found most challenging about lockdown?” As you read the answers, I am sure that like me they resonate  with you. But let’s keep going and trust in the power of Jesus to keep going.

What have you found most challenging in lockdown?

Alastair and Lisa 
Most challenging has been balancing varying hospital shift work between both of us / school / family time (and everything else!)

Elaine and Duncan
The hardest thing about lock down is not being able to see and give my children and my friends a cuddle 

Jenny 
- Home schooling Lily, looking after Georgia and doing my own school work. Even with Ian at home on furlough this is such an exhausting challenge because there are three very specific and conflicting needs to be met. Some days it feels like we don't really meet any of these very successfully or we meet one need at the expense of another. 
- Having much less time on my own than I am used to
- Not being able to go out often and needing to stay near home

Matthew and Bethany
Not being able to see friends or play sports and when you do see friends having to social distance from them. 
Since we have had the dog it hasn’t been hard.

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