Out Our Way: Then came the chinook - Jude 20-21

Out our way, winter can be a tough season - and a long one.

One year, it began in mid-October and the blizzard shut down power for the whole county. Snow in May is not unheard of - and the calving season in February can really be brutal. Yup, the land of "Alberta Clippers" reminds us of the old saying "There's nothing between the North Pole and us but a barbed wire fence." But it is also the land of a dozen "springs," called chinook winds, that also come to us all winter long.  

What a feeling it is when the arctic winds are suddenly pushed aside by a warm breeze that starts the ice melting and the snow banks shrinking in the middle of February. You know it is temporary, that winter isn't over - but you also know it is a God sent reminder that winter cannot last. Tourists would ask me how I could live in Montana with its winters. Well, I accept Montana winters because I also get Montana spring, summer and fall. And God also sends the chinooks to remind me that "the best is yet to come."  

We all need to remember that - especially in hard days like we endure now with this coronavirus. Stores, schools, theaters, restaurants, and even churches are closed - folk are told to stay home - and many are terrified by reports this could potentially be as bad as the Spanish flu in 1918, which killed so many people in the USA and around the world. Only a fool would not be concerned and take precautions as this thing spreads - but that doesn't mean we are without hope.  

For myself, I am of an age where I am considered "high risk." I am not very brave and certainly have no doubts how serious this virus is. I also confess my faith is sincere but weak; and like the man who was still filled with fears even in the presence of Christ, I cry out: "I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief!" [Mark 9:24] 

Yup, I am plenty scared as I continue to work in crowds at the mall and haul carts, clean toilets, carry out trash and unload freight. But this is where God has placed me - and I trust Him in this ... even with all my weaknesses as a disciple. So it is, now and then, the Holy Spirit, like the chinook winds in February, "blows where it will" [John 3:8], and warms my frigid soul and reminds me that the winter of darkness and fear cannot last. 

Will this virus get me? I am at risk due to my age and my work. Yet I am not afraid, for as Jude said, I "look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life." Now and then, the chill of fear, like an Alberta Clipper, comes swooping down. But, sooner or later, God sends His Holy Spirit, like a glorious chinook, to melt the ice that grips my soul and remind me the Lord is God and not this virus. If the Lord is with me, who can be against me? [Romans 8:31]  

It may not be how my seminary professors would have phrased it, but despite my fears and constant reminders that my age and labor make me highly vulnerable, "I check my cinch, swing aboard, and cowboy up," for like Job, "though I die I will trust in Him" [Job 13:15]. In the midst of this terrible "Alberta Clipper" strength crisis, I look for the chinook winds of the Spirit to strengthen and comfort me. Remember: "There is a God - I am not Him (nor is the coronavirus!) - but there is a God!"

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Brother John

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The Rev. John Bruington is the retired pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Havre. He now lives in Colorado, but continues to write "Out Our Way." He can be reached for comment or dialogue at [email protected].