1st Reading from Job -
Job was a righteous man. Then he went through one tragedy after another. He was confused and heartbroken and complained to God.
Have you ever felt like that? I sure have! Why me? Why this? Life is not always easy for us. We suffer pain, loss, misunderstanding, fear, and anger. But, like Job, we must remember God's unfailing love for us. By faith, we praise the Lord who heals the brokenhearted. How can we help those who are going through trying times?
Second Reading is from Paul to the Corinthians...
I looked up this reading in the "message" version of the Bible (you can look up different versions on Biblegateway.com) ...
Paul is saying:
If I proclaim the Message, it’s not to get something out of it for myself. I’m compelled to do it, and doomed if I don’t!
As I reflected on that version of the reading....I reflected on my faith journey. I always found it difficult to preach the gospel with words.
I believed that it was more important to "preach the gospel with my life". Integrity...love....compassion...forgiveness....
I am compelled to do it....I cannot "not" do it. I wanted people to "see" Jesus in me...not just hear the words, but feel His love....
But as in the Gospel....sometimes I find there is so much demand to love....so many needs to attend to...I wonder how I can do it all, especially as a minister of the church and a mom and a wife and a friend.
In the story of Martha and Mary - I relate to Mary - I am the doer ....How do I make time to sit and pray and still get everything "done?"....But Jesus also shows us that getting away to pray is the only way He can continue to do His ministry....
So I have made that time to get away and pray and God has multiplied my time and provided help with ministry....
My favorite places to pray? My bedroom, the church, my car, a walk, my office...wherever I have a minute...
Where is your favorite place to be filled with God before you serve Him?
