Job Season

Kris and I are currently in a season that feels like Murphy (and his law) came to visit, decided the spare room was pretty comfy, and just moved right in. Its like that weird relative that eats all your food, leaves his socks in the cushions, and then wreaks havoc on whatever he can. The welcome has officially been worn out. Although with Murphy, there was never a welcome in the first place.

You all ever have those seasons? They suck.

I am going to unpack a little of what we have been experiencing, but I am not going to dwell on it because there are bigger things going on here than our trials.

At the beginning of November, one of our sweet, precious sheep left our home prematurely. I am not going to delve into the details on it because that piece is too raw right now. This is where our Job season began.

In the same week, Kris went to the doctor to get some ailments looked at, which has sent us on a quest to improve our collective household health. We are also going to have to navigate life (short-term) with some sort of autoimmune disease (on-going testing), high triglycerides, and a short list of out-of-whack tests.

A few weeks later Flu A, COVID, and a mysterious respiratory virus hit our household one after the other after the other. For 6 weeks straight someone in this house has been sick.

Last week Katie had a follow up scope for her intestinal surgery that she had a year ago. She has had no symptoms and we thought it was a successful surgery. Well, the stricture in her intestines has returned. We are baffled, her doctors are baffled, and we are now going to navigate return trips to Kansas City along with trips for Kris’s doctors in Amarillo.

I have shared these trials over and over again over the past weeks. And yet, when I do, I cannot feel anything but peace.

I know there is something bigger going on here.

Job replies to the Lord in Job 42:2, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

AMEN JOB!

I know in the depths of my soul that God has a purpose for all of these things and for their timing. And I know that even when I cannot handle it, even when I am weak or mad or frustrated that I cannot control any of the adversity being tossed our way, He is sovereign over ALL OF IT. My peace comes from knowing He has total control. Yes, even when I don’t know the outcome.

I could sit here and have a pity party for one. Woohoo. I mean that’s what the enemy wants right? Sadness, defeat, isolation. Not this time.

Not this girl.

For the first time in my life I am completely and utterly submitted to God. He has it, He has it all. I don’t want it any other way.

I can already see God working in this season. He has strengthened my marriage in ways I didn’t see coming. I am more in love with my husband than I have ever been. God has taught me to be still and rest in His sovereignty. He has taught me to bite my tongue with others, to only say what is necessary or edifying. I can see God’s hand at work in the present as we speak. And all I can say is wow.

Please understand, I still have moments of deep sadness for my strayed sheep. I still wonder why us, why Katie? But if I sit and listen, God’s voice is always there with a Be still, Daughter. And I know I don’t have to carry the weight of our adversity as I have done so many times before.

So if any of you are carrying something heavy, hand it over to the One Who’s yoke is easy and Who’s burden is light. Sit. Listen. Be still and know. Like Job said, the Lord can do all things and His purpose won’t get thwarted.

You don’t have to carry the weight. You don’t have to camp in your Job season.

Pity party for one? Nah, girl. Its you and God.