The Cows Aren’t Concerned

The cows in the pasture were settled into the grass in a lazy clump (no social distancing with them) to ruminate their morning feeding. We passed them on our way to LeRoy’s injection last week and, as he looked over to see the pleasant scene, he commented, “The cows aren’t concerned about the pandemic.” We had a smile together at that thought and talked about how all of creation is groaning under the destructive effects of the fall, but it isn’t worried about it—the cows continue doing what they were created to do . . . the birds continue giving glory to God through their bird-song-praises, the spring buds continue to bloom, and creation continues to fulfill its purpose—even while Covid-19 is paralyzing the world.

All of creation continues to glorify God by fulfilling its purpose—even through a global pandemic.

And there is something that is strangely comforting in that. Seeing the familiar function of our well-ordered creation provides a sense of “normalcy” that an afflicted soul needs. And we are all afflicted under the destructive effects of the fall (the “fall from the world’s state of sinless perfection and beauty” where God first placed mankind).

But, although the world is groaning, although the virus infects, loss invades, and suffering continues its relentless march—creation is still at work bringing God glory.

We had a disappointing visit this week with the specialist who did LeRoy’s injections. Because LeRoy hasn’t seen any improvement yet, the doctor is concerned that he has scar tissue on his spinal cord (the neurologist has also mentioned concerns about this) and if so, that would prevent this procedure from being effective. It was not what we were expecting to hear. As the doctor went on to explain that his only option now might be to try to manage the pain with medication, it felt like a cold blanket of discouragement fell across our shoulders.

Once again, we’ve ridden the roller-coaster of hope for improvement through treatment, only to hit the bottom of the descent with no solution in sight.

As we made the trip back home, we passed the same cows that we’d seen the week before—still undisturbed and enjoying their green pasture. The sun shone brilliantly, as we discussed the disappointing news. All of creation was undisturbed in fulfilling God’s purpose in bringing glory to their Master—as it felt like our world was crumbling again.

My determination to continue crying out for mercy for my husband, deepens with each disappointment. When I cry out, I remind my faithful Father of His good and gracious character (as Moses did in Numbers chapter 14, or Hezekiah in 2 Kings 19), and I appeal to Him on that basis. I beg Him for LeRoy to be able to glorify Him through this affliction, but more than that, to glorify Him through a healthy life.

I will not stop asking for this mercy as long as I have breath in my body.

The day after that disappointing appointment, LeRoy began his day as he does every morning: in the Word, in prayer, and with worship. And, as we prayed together, LeRoy voiced this: “Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants” (from Psalm 119:90—91).

As our prayer time concluded, my mind was brought back to those cows, to the song birds, the blooming fields, and the brilliant sun. They are God’s servants, giving Him glory by doing what they were created to do. We are God’s servants, seeking to glorify Him by doing what we are created to do—to display His beauty and goodness. Today, we are not doing that in the way I’d thought we would in this season. But, I pray, that in some small way, we are fulfilling our purpose—and that is the same purpose for each of us—to bear much fruit and thereby bring God glory.

Thank you for the many prayers you’ve lifted for us, for faithful and heart-felt intercession. We are humbled and amazed as we read comments from you and we sense that we’re upheld by steadfast prayer warriors. Please, don’t stop asking God for mercy for my man.

Will you join me in that?