In his hand is the breath of all mankind...

Alexandria Denoyer ​
​Packaging and Engineering Faith

​“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in this sea inform you. Which of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. “
​-  Job 12:7-10
​

This is part of Job’s response when being asked about his suffering.

During this present, frustrating, and uncertain time, many people, like me may be wondering, when will this end? A lot of people are suffering of sickness, or grief from lost loved ones. 

During this pandemic, both Satan and the Lord are at play. Satan is glad people are suffering, however, the Lord can bring good from this seemingly evil, and certainly difficult pandemic.  Do you trust God to do this?  Do you place your hope in him?  It is simple to approach God in the same way that Job did.  It takes faith to trust and accept whatever God brings our way. 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. “
- Romans 8:28

Through all this uncertainty and confusion, we can be sure that the Lord does love and care for us. Even when, like Job, we don’t understand our circumstances.  God's plan is not always our plan.  But, Saint Paul reminds us that we are "called to (God's) purposes" and to trust in that love.  If we trust in God then we do not need to concern ourselves with worry as "tomorrow will care for itself". (Mathew 6:34).

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
- Matthew 6:26-27

Dear Lord, your hand holds the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Help us to trust in you now and always. We ask you end this virus and all the suffering. Help us as your followers to bring people closer to you during this time of stress and suffering. Help us to point others to the comfort found in trusting you. Give the health care workers strength. Give our government wisdom. And give encouragement to essential workers. Give everyone, working or not, hope and bring us all closer to you. In Jesus name, Amen. ​​