For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
-James 5:10-11 NLT
A few years ago my son and I were in the car and he said that he thought I was a modern day Job - I had to chuckle as I told him that Job had nothing on me. Of course we all have a story and mine is not all that different than many.. it is just different than folks who have not dealt with the death of a spouse.. or a parent who has not dealt with grieving children.. or a person who has not struggled with a disabling disease that has attacked their spouse.. we all struggle.
The difference between the suffering of Job and that of folks today is the way that the pain is seen. This week I had a street preacher yell a prayer at my wheelchaired wife as she drove by his mock pulpit. Somehow some folks feel such a superiority towards those who struggle. It is hard to bless such people and not feel embittered towards them. In such times we need to guard our hearts and focus on the One who James describes as "full of tenderness and mercy".
Help us Lord to remember, pray for and honor those who endure under suffering.
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