Coronavirus, pandemic, self-isolation, social distancing – a month ago these were unfamiliar terms.  Now they are a major part of our very existence.  These are difficult times for all of us.  We are anxious about the anticipated unknown.   Our level of stress is elevated, and that has become our new norm.

In the midst of this, some of us still receive those “punch in the gut” phone calls.  The doctor wants to see us in person to discuss test results and options.   The medical procedure  we’ve awaited for months has just been cancelled until further notice.   The phone rings to tell us that a life-long friend has just died.   We can’t help but cry out, why God and why now?  We’re overcome, too stressed to cope with the news we’re receiving.  How much can we take?

Maybe we feel like poor Job, a good man who suffered total disaster.  He couldn’t understand how  God could let so much evil happen to him.  He challenged God.  “Why won’t God give me what I ask?  Why won’t he answer my prayer? “  Job 6:8   And again, “No!  I can’t be quiet!  I am angry and bitter.  I have to speak.”  Job 6:11

And God did speak to Job.  And Job did understand that his God was still all-powerful, even in the midst of his dire circumstances.  And Job was blessed by the God who still loved him unconditionally.

It may be hard to feel that unconditional love in the midst of our personal fear and sorrow.  But God’s love is still there.   He walks beside us as we muddle through dark times.  He holds our hand.  He calls us by name with his loving words, “Fear not.”   We didn’t see this coming but we will get through this, because we are not alone.  Our strength may fail, but God’s strength is unfailing.

Judy