pandemic: long suffering.

As I watch the trees outside my living room window, I am struck by their apparent steadfastness. It is a blustery, cold, winter day; lacking sunlight and warmth. The trees are older than I am. They are tall and bare. There they stand, looking slightly withered, yet able to remain stately in their own way. The wind blows them side to side and whips them from underneath as their strength is tested. Their branches are brittle, undernourished, in need of water and sun. In need of rest.

And when snow arrives tomorrow, those same branches will be weighed down with extra weight, extra burdens. Some branches will break under the weight of it all; some will withstand.

Are they suffering? Are they craving food and health and longing for winter to end? Of course trees don’t have feelings, or thoughts, but how symbolic they are of remaining steadfast through long winters, long suffering.

There was a man named Job. A Godly man. Upright, faithful. He went through a lot, Job did. I mean, he really suffered. He lived a long life poised toward God; so much so that he was ripe for testing when Satan came seeking a soul to ruin. I think too of these trees, being tested. Tested through storms, droughts, season after season. Some fall, some wither, some bear fruit. Just like Job did.

It is incredibly solemn to read the book of Job. He is illustrated as a godly man, doing good in his life, treating others well, praying to God, and living out the laws of Moses. It seems he is doing the right things, believing in the right things.

Then Satan enters the stage and requests from God someone to test. Satan wants to show God that he can tempt and try Gods people beyond their faith and cause them to turn from their faith. So, God offers up a faithful steward, Job. Through chapter after chapter, Job is suffering. He is suffering emotionally, physically, financially, and spiritually. Satan is allowed to strike him with many afflictions. Unbearable suffering, long suffering.

Over many seasons, Job is “comforted” by three friends. Though they aren’t really comforting him, they are more rebuking him. They are trying to get Job to believe that his suffering is a result of his sin. They continue supporting thier position citing Moses's laws; but Job attempts to justify and explain how he has lived in accordinance with those laws. It’s really a back and forth bantering of “Here’s what you did to cause this” and “Here’s what I have done that I should not be enduring this.” A lot of diverting attention toward works, and laws. Toward self.

Now surely, the trees in my front yard did not do anything to bring about their badgering by a storm. They did not follow laws, or pray to God. (Or did they…? I am reminded that even the stones will cry out in worship of God) But for now, it seems the trees are, in their own way, suffering. And Job suffered. Regardless of actions.

As believers, we realize the reassuring fact that while Satan can tempt, and storms can beat down, both have limits. God is sovereign, and He sets limits for waves, droughts, and all things evil, including the devil himself. This should have given comfort to Job; and should give comfort to us.

So the conversations continue between Job and the friends. All the while, God was actually teaching Job something. God is always teaching us something, especially during trials. But we do have similar conversations ourselves. Trying to figure out or direct His power, justify actions, make excuses, plead our case. And try to put God into a box.

And then, at the very end of the book of Job, he surrenders. He learns.

Finally, after his long suffering, Job submits to Gods providence and declares that he himself can do nothing in his own power; God is sovereign. He recognizes God created all, is over all, and will have his way with all. Job declared the truth about God, and the truth about himself. We cannot compartmentalize God and we are not a match for his will. All Job needed to do was lay it all down and say “I know that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2. He humbles himself and apologizes for his words. He stands down and exalts the Lord, even in his suffering.

And then, just like that, God blesses Job. Restoring his health, his fortunes, and his family. Abundantly.

Because he acknowledged who God is.

As I think of the trees, it is likely that if they hang on, and endure this winter, they will flourish and will swell with leaves and fruit in the right season. After they have learned how to long suffer, and become stronger in the process. The trees can not take control of the cold wind, they can only wait patiently for Spring to arrive. All suffering can bring about growth. Bring harvest. Bring restoration. If we let it not define us, but strengthen us. We must, my friends, suffer well. Relying not on our own strength, but God. Seeking not our own comfort, but His glory. Paying attention to what is being taught to us in that moment.

There has been a lot of suffering in the last couple of years due to the pandemic, COVID-19. In the recent months, it seems we are all experiencing some form of long suffering. Many are weary, worn, wild eyed and weakened. The long term, steady fear of illness, whilst witnessing the suffering and even death of many around us has created an atmosphere of Job like hearts - how long will this go on? Why is God allowing this? I know. I have asked those questions too.

Last month, my husband was hospitalized for nine days. And he didn’t even have COVID-19. We didn’t really see it coming to be honest. Sort of floating along like we were flourishing with lots of leaves to show for. Then very quickly, winter came, leaves shed, laid bare. A trusted friend visited my husband twice and asked him each time, “What is God teaching you through this?” And finally my sweet soulmate remembered it was no longer about himself, but everything was about Him, a new perspective rose up and recalibrated the position of my husbands heart.

Some some say we are “not built to withstand such long term stress and anxiety”. But I am reminded of the Israelites who wandered weary, hungry, suffering, in the desert for 40 years while enduring Gods wrath. And that was after hundreds of years they perviously suffered enslavement, plagues and other woes. Now that’s a long time. A long time to be missing the lesson right in front of you. We are not there yet friends. But the way I see it, COVID-19 will not end until God is done using it. And that’s for another conversation.

But for now, let’s remember that to suffer long and suffer well, we must let God be God. Trusting what He has for us, and finding opportunity in suffering. Let’s stop trying to make sense of things too wonderful and glorious for us to comprehend. Let’s get out of the way of our mighty Father, and simply ask ourselves, "What is He teaching in this moment?" and "How can I glorify Him in this?"

And hang on to the hope of eternity where eventually all suffering will end and pain will be no more.