Today is July 9. I am compiling this article in my fourth day of mandatory self-quarantine from a bed & breakfast accommodation at Perth, Western Australia. Lord willing, if I show no Covid-19 symptom signs by day fifteen, I will be free to continue my travel to Newman where I will commence service as Pastor of the Newman Community Baptist Church. I will remain at Newman until the Lord identifies someone; He has chosen to succeed me… That’s my assignment!

My 5 hours-long flight from Brisbane landed at Perth at 11pm, Sunday, July 5. After a delay of 20 minutes, we (the passengers) were allowed to disembark from the aircraft. Having done so, we found ourselves moving forward in line, at snail-pace, toward an area where we were tested by medical staff and interviewed by W.A. Police re suitability to be allowed entry into W.A.

As I was not a W.A. resident, I was required to self-quarantine for fourteen days at a government-approved lodging. Fortunately, on the spot, I was able to secure a nearby facility. It was 2:30 am before my body was able to go horizontal on the bed. The bedroom + ensuite bathroom was now home for the next two weeks.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am a patient and tolerant person… well, at least up to a certain limit! Exceed that limit and you can expect an out-of-control animal-type character to leap out from hiding to show the fulness of his nastiness.

Well, it was day-three of self-incarceration that this limit was exceeded. I was disappointed with the management of my lodging for their lack of support to me in my vulnerable state, and, regretfully, it was made known to them in an out-of-control, emotionally-driven way…

Yes, there was a casualty! Whenever I behave in such an unrighteous way, the peace of God is lost and the Holy Spirit makes me aware of my failure to honour Him. I’m left with a choice… remain off-side with God and be miserable, or fess-up to Him, and to the person I wounded. Within 15 minutes, I confessed to God my failure and sought His forgiveness.

I also emailed my victim and did likewise. It wasn’t easy for me but it was the right thing to do. Oh, how much I look forward to the day when I receive from the Lord His promise of an incorruptible and immortal body… leaving behind in the grave my irritable and short-tempered nature.

This sad story has a most happy ending. With God at work in my life (Romans 8:28), this recent irritation has already resulted in the production of a spiritual pearl, one more now added to my enlarging necklace. More about this next week.