By Larry Cope

It can seem that we are in dark times right now as the world experiences a global pandemic. Illinois and many other states are on lock down and people are scared and upset. We want to blame someone for this pandemic. But at the same time, we are seeing an outpouring of compassion, love, and acts of kindness especially towards the elderly, and those in need, preexisting medical conditions, the poor and homeless.

Our government and medical officials are encouraging us to practice social distancing. People are working from home and kids are out of school indefinitely. Even places of worship are closed. But while we are stuck at home this is a good time to bond with your immediate family members, exercise, work on home projects, meditate and catch up on some reading. This would be a good time to read our Bible.

I’ve done some reflecting and I keep coming back to the Book of Job in the Old Testament. This is a book about loss, faith, hope and redemption. This is about human suffering and triumph. This is test of fidelity to God. Job was a well to do man with a strong faith in God, but the devil challenged God by declaring that if Job lost everything, he would curse him. So, Job was stripped of everything; wealth, family and health. His friends came to comfort him but eventually blamed him for his dilemma. Through his suffering Job did not lose his faith in God and at the end was blessed with more. (Job: 1—42)

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