Throughout Scripture we are reminded that we serve a God who hears us. As you think through the reentry decision—should you go back to in-person church services?—and experience many emotions revolving around COVID-19, prayer can be a powerful tool.

Everyone has felt the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. But pastors and leaders have taken the weight of crisis heavily upon their shoulders. Now, more than ever, those in the leadership in the church need to take a moment to care for themselves.

Nine months into this coronavirus pandemic, we can all relate to the first part of this psalm. We are fatigued and often downhearted. Many of us have lost loved ones and many have suffered personally the effects of this awful illness.

Pandemics are not new for the church. Christians in past centuries have also sought to faithfully react and respond to instances of mass infection. Though looking to the past does not necessarily prescribe a current course of action, it does provide important information for reflection today.

To address this issue of how the book of Job can help us understand the pandemic, we have to begin with some insights for understanding Job that differ from intuitive approaches. Though Job is the main character, the book is more about God than about Job.

This year, more than most, I have often thought about how Christians have faced moments of crisis—whether in times of war or political turmoil or, as in our own day, widespread illness. For me, one of the most remarkable instances of Christian faith in a time of trial occurred in the city of Philadelphia, as African Americans in that city served their community despite the prejudicial manner in which they had been treated.