GIVEN THE GIFT OF FAITH
Perhaps the best-known Old Testament example of faith is the story of Job. As you know, it narrates the afflictions that fell upon a righteous man. It does not entirely answer the question of why Job, or anyone, might suffer pain and sorrow, but does state clearly that affliction is not a sign of God’s anger and a punishment. The book suggests that affliction may be for experience, discipline, and instruction, for Job was a just man who feared God and avoided evil.
His afflictions included the loss of his seven sons and three daughters, the loss of his wealth in flocks and herds and serious physical illnesses. Yet, Job remained faithful to the Lord through his indescribable sorrow and suffering. Job was able to say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord... Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him...He also shall be my salvation... For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth … yet in my flesh shall I see God.”
No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father in heaven. Orson F. Whitney
Integrity is always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but, more important, in our thoughts and in our hearts.
May we give the gift of faith this Christmas.
Linda Sumner Urza, written for: onefineday11.blogspot.com
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