While growing up, I would hear adults say, “He or she has the patience of Job.” At first, I didn’t know who Job was. Still, I could tell by their tone and catching part of the story that the person involved was incredibly patient in a challenging situation—many times, it was said about a husband or wife or boss!
As I became older and aware of the life of Job and his faithfulness to God, I started to understand how people of faith could handle adversity. Job followed God, despite all that was taken from him. (Possessions, family and friends, health, really everything but his life.)
Later, in my early adult years, I learned that my grandfather used to incorporate the book of Job into his English history classes. I wish that I had asked him why. After speaking with my father, I can only imagine that it had to do with my grandfather identifying with Job in relation to his own difficult childhood and teenage years. At the same time, he was awarded academic scholarships that introduced him to God’s saving presence in the world.
I believe that we can all grow and teach our young people some crucial lessons from the story of Job.
- No matter how faithful to God we aspire to be, there will be challenges to our ability to believe.
- We are God’s creation. We need God and are dependent upon Him.
- We, too, can persevere and remain faithful even during extreme suffering.
Join me in asking God for the patience, perseverance, and faith of Job. And, if you have young family members, please tell them about how Job is our role model--in keeping our eyes fixed on God no matter how challenging life may be.
May God bless you and your family this holy day!
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