Lately, we can all identify with Job. Maybe our discomfort has not reached Biblical proportions, but after months of trying to get our bearings in an ever shifting new world, we are tired, even exhausted and we are still without answers from God.
Job expresses it this way: ” Even today, my complaint is bitter; my hand is listless because of my groaning. Oh, that I might find Him, That I might come to His seat! I would present my case before Him, and would fill my mouth with arguments.” Job 23: 2-4. NKJV
In the midst of daily bulletins about a constantly spreading virus, civil unrest, even a cloud of dust from the Saharan dessert, we can all point to unexpected blessings that have come along during this time. We have closed ourselves off to concentrate on what was important. We adapted our processes and had surprising results.
One example: Weekly attendance at our church’s worship service was about 500 people. We have had an online streaming option for quite awhile, useful when illness kept our members from attending. We even had some remote members hundreds of miles away from our location. Suddenly, gatherings of over 50 people were discouraged, and many people in our area had no way to worship. With the technology already in place, our attendance boomed from 500 to 900 instantly. Now, limited attendance in the building is possible again, and the online option continues. Our work as a congregation has prospered, and new souls have been reached. Even better, we are joining with our brothers and sisters across town to eliminate Sunday morning racial separation. Amazing and like nothing we would have expected.In the midst of the uncertainty, and the lack of answers to his questions, Job knew that God had everything figured out. In verse 10 of the same chapter he says: “He knows the way that I take, When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 NKJV
With so much stay at home time, we have been watching a lot of TV. Early in the pandemic, we were singing along with stars from their homes to our favorite Disney songs. Recently, folks have been enjoying a recent Broadway musical from their own couches, with their own microwave supplying the popcorn.
Even Vintage TV can take on a new meaning. If you ever get a chance to watch The Waltons again, you may see this classic with new eyes. These days, it is not so hard to imagine a time when the whole world functioned within walking distance, when the family found creative ways to entertain themselves. Then, along came the Second World War. The first episodes on this topic seem very current right now. “This won’t ever affect us” “It will be over in a matter of weeks”. Then, things become serious, and the characters begin to realize that the problems of far away places are literally reaching their doorsteps. Sobering. But at the same time, hopeful. That television family shows us that we can endure, together, through anything the world throws our way.
Just like the bittersweet endings of these old television episodes, God always comes through. Our families draw closer, and His plan for us is still in place.
We have no idea what surprises God has in store for us. While He is busy testing us, we are preparing to come out as GOLD!
Hang on. Wear your mask. Keep praying. God has got this.
photo credit: Razmataz’ <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/54781523@N00/5044034738″>Gold Nugget</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/”>(license)</a>
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