What was the most challenging part of quarantine for you? Was it the isolation? Was it the boredom? Was it the debate over if downloading Disney+ was worth it? I haven’t found any pertinent scripture that justified the one day I spent watching The Mandalorian, or the subsequent monthly fees for a subscription service I no longer use, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

Considering my TV habits were one of the biggest sources of inner conflict this year, I had it fairly easy. When I lost my job, my parents took care of me. When I felt alone, I had the people I love most to support me. When my graduation track was rearranged by COVID–19, I had more than enough support to continue on. For those of you with real hurts, those of you who have lost so much this year, there is no consolation I can offer, no wisdom or comfort I can share, save the comfort provided in Christ Jesus.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
— 1 Peter 5:10

Peter understood that to live is to “suffer a little while”. He also reminded the church that this world’s suffering will fade and give way to an unimaginable peace with God. In Peter 5:7, he advised believers caught in a turbulent time to cast all of their anxieties on God, “because he cares for you.” Then, as seen above in verse 10, Peter doesn’t say that God would take all of their problems away. In fact, he implies something quite the contrary.

In life, I like expecting to suffer. It keeps me singing my gratitude for the luxuries God provides. I know that suffering is indicative of a life well lived for Christ.

Resist [the adversary], firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
— 1 Peter 5:9

I am grateful to be experiencing a time of relative comfort, but I feel prepared, knowing that when suffering comes along, it will only be for a little while.