God is big enough for our questions. In the face of sickness, we ask, why? So when the world has been brought to its knees because of a microscopic virus we ask, why?
I have a Bachelor's degree in Biology. Much of that learning I have forgotten. The foundation of my understanding is still strong. I have had to reconcile the polarity of my faith and science over the years.
I was in a cohort of students who wanted to learn and teach science. Several of us literally wore our faith on the sleeves of our lab coats in fabric paint. I'm sure mine said something like, "Evolution Sucks!"
In the case of COVID-19, evolution really does suck! I am not writing to debate origins. I believe in a Creator. My belief feels unpopular in the science world. My trust in science feels unpopular in the Christian world. Where does that leave me? To be honest, a lot of times it leaves me fearing criticism so I stay silent.
I enjoy the verses from Eccelesiastes 3: To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die...a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace...He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
There is balance in these words. The same sort of equilibrium that science and faith provide me.
Does health exist with out sickness?
A time to go out and a time to stay home. Now is the time to stay home for those who have no other option because they are on the front lines of this pandemic.
And now is a time to pray. I don't pray in a closet. I don't often pray on my knees. My prayers are often mutterings, in the bathroom, in between sending my 4-year old to her room for colouring on furniture...again. Or I write. Don't let your idea of what praying looks like stop you from calling out at this time. My cringe-worthy spiritual disciplines are loved by my Father in heaven. Right now, I am praying while watching Boss Baby.
Jesus, may those who believe in You, may we be love in a time of uncertainty, in word and actions. Give us wisdom. May Your Love be beauty in turmoil. May our gestures of love be inexplicable apart from a love as great as Yours. Be with those who must work, be with those who can stay home, and return those who aren't home yet. Give our leaders wisdom. As we fight with science, may You fight in the miraculous as our Great Physician, like Ecclesiastes says, that we don't know the scope of your work from start to finish. Amen.
