Job saw his whole world collapse — he had lost his wealth, children, reputation and health. It would have been very easy to give up and there were those who urged him to do so. His “friends” wanted him to take the blame for what had happened even though Job knew that he was innocent. His wife advised him to “bless” (a euphemism for “curse”) God and die. In these two responses we see the typical human responses to suffering. Either we are being punished by God or God has let us down.

But there is a third alternative and that is to soldier on with courage, humility and grace. That is the path that Job took. At the very end of the book God appeared to him in the whirlwind and refused to give him the reason for his suffering — in fact, He chides him for even thinking that he could comprehend the big picture. He was meddling in God’s realm. But Job’s patient endurance was rewarded as his life was restored and blessed. As today’s psalm tells us, God is the one who heals the broken hearted. We probably will not have the answers to our questions — and perhaps never will — but then we don’t need all the answers. Our willingness to continue walking in faith and hope throughout suffering and struggle will not be in vain. The example of Job has much to teach our own culture, which is sadly lacking in commitment, patience and staying power.

We are usually suspicious of an individual who is like a chameleon — always adapting themselves to the opinions, desires and personalities of others. We admire constancy and predictability in people. But Paul’s insistence on becoming “all things to all people” was not a sign of deviousness or weakness of personality. He knew that he was a free man — that is why he did not feel the need to protect his identity or dignity. Quite simply put, Paul did not sit on a lofty throne inviting people to approach him as he would like them to be. He met others where they were; he entered into the human experience as Jesus did. For the sake of the spiritual welfare of others he was willing and able to cast aside the self and walk with others as a fellow pilgrim. More people can be reached and transformed by this method than by setting the bar unrealistically high for everyone.

Even Jesus had to discern and make choices. There were more temptations than just what the devil offered in the desert experience. Often choices are not between good and evil but good and better. Jesus healed many in Capernaum and word got around. He was absolutely swamped by desperate and needy people — obviously the need for compassionate divine presence was great. Jesus probably could have stayed there for many years without running short of opportunities to help people.  There was only one problem — that would have deflected Him from His divine mission. He had to find a quiet place to be alone and pray so that He could commune with the mind and heart of God the Father. When the apostles tracked Him down they exclaimed that everyone had been searching for Him implying that He should continue with the activities of the previous day. But Jesus was resolute and He was now fixed with laser-like intensity on His mission. That mission was to spread the news of the Kingdom far and wide throughout the other villages and towns. There would be time for ministry later — and at the hands of His many followers. But for the moment the “better” — the correct choice — was to proclaim the message.

Distractions — even good ones — come thick and fast. We need to commune often with God so that we can remember who we are, why we are here and the ideals by which we live.