Job 4:1-9
Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope? (v. 6)
My third grade teacher didn’t like me at all. To her chagrin, I was always restless, giggling, and talking with others during class. Every week she called my parents about my behavior.
I was being my usual talkative self when I met Alicia, who always sat by herself during recess. No one ever asked her to play. When I said hello, I quickly realized that something about Alicia’s eyes and voice were unfamiliar. That afternoon, my mom explained to me that Alicia had Down’s Syndrome.
The moment I became friends with Alicia, we started getting picked on. I knew it wasn’t fair of the other kids, and I knew they only did it because Alicia had a disability, but I didn’t want to get picked on, either.
When I told my mom that I didn’t want to play with Alicia anymore, she asked, “Do you like playing with Alicia?” I responded that I did. “Doesn’t God teach us to be a friend to those who are lonely or in need?” God does. “Then,” my mother said, “you already know in your heart you’re doing the right thing. Even if it isn’t popular.”
I had my answer. No matter the playground scuffles, my friendship with Alicia mattered more.
When my mom came to pick me up one afternoon, my teacher ran over to us. Oh, no… I lowered my head, ready for the day’s reprimand of my classroom talking. Instead, she gave my mom the biggest hug. As it turned out, her daughter’s name was Alicia.
The light we need rests, as Job and I both learned, in revering God and living in the integrity of our hope.
Consider
What particular challenge or hardship has made you question your beliefs and ask if you are on the right path?
Pray
God, keep our faith strong and confident in your word, particularly when we feel tempted to abandon it. Amen.