There are new “syndromes” assaulting us in 2020. I have read of “Virus Fatigue,” “Pandemic Fatigue,” “Quarantine Fatigue,” “COVID Fatigue,” and several other “fatigues” associated with this year. I am sure there are official definitions for each one, but I would just call it “Fed-Up-Ready-to-Quit Fatigue.”
There are seasons of life when we just get plain tired of dealing with all the trials that come our way. We simply want to be done and if we cannot be simply done with all of it, show us where to go to quit!
There are times and situations where quitting is an option. I do not think 2020 is one of those, however.
If we are honest, we might also admit that there are times in ministry, in our Christian walk, where quitting looks much more desirable than going on. It is then that we must heed Paul’s words to his co-worker Archippus.
“Tell Archippus, ‘Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it.’” [Colossians 4:17 HCSB]
We are not told what was bothering Archippus, or the trial or struggle he might be facing. Paul does not say much to him about how to handle it or what to do. He simply tells Archippus, “Don’t quit! Do not give up on the ministry God has given you, accomplish it! Finish it!”
We, beloved, have been given a ministry in 2020, a year of divide and fear and death, to present to the world the love, compassion, kindness, care, Joy!, and mercy of our Father God. Like it or not, 2020-ministry is ours. So, as Paul would say to us … “no matter how inviting quitting might be—Don’t!”
