Perseverance - September 9
Today’s Readings - Psalm 119:49-72; Job 29:1,30:1-2,16-31; Acts 14:19-28; John 11:1-16
I’m beginning my reflection this morning with full disclosure on two fronts. One, that I’ve never been a student of Job, so why today? And second, I received a reflection from a dear friend whose selection inspired me. She featured a story by Rachel Naomi Remen about perseverance – what more can I say! I’m certain Job should be included in Webster’s definition of perseverance.
Rachel’s story is about a small girl whose grandfather gives her a small cup of dirt. Perplexed and disappointed that there were no treats inside her grandfather explained. “I promise if every day you put a little water in the cup something special will happen.” Not convinced but curious she followed his directions, but after several days when nothing happened it became harder to continue to believe his promise. However, she too had made a promise, so she continued to be faithful. After a few weeks her disappointment turned to anger, beginning to believe her trust had been misplaced. Eventually, to her astonishment there appeared two small green leaves. Each day they grew. She shared her surprise with her grandfather thinking he too would be amazed. Instead, he explained, “life is everywhere, and blessings are everywhere, hidden in the most ordinary and unlikely places. ‘And all it needs is water, Grandpa?’ Rachel asked. No, he said. All it needs is your faithfulness.”
I must admit as I read Job this morning I smiled. How often have I felt his frustration, his anger, his despair at my life’s circumstances? It can be so easy to go from a positive, grateful vision of life to tunnel vision based on circumstances that seem to plague us. Be they frustration over a relationship, chronic pain, sadness or anxiety. Feeling as though God has abandoned us is not uncommon. It began after the first sin was created and it’s been a common denominator of life ever since.
Job of course is an extreme example of life’s circumstances that have landed him in despair. Ultimately though Job never loses faith. Even the fact that he continues to appeal to God, to complain about how miserable he is, is a statement of his faith in the existence and ever faithful presence of God.
I read an article about prayer last night that pointed out something incredibly obvious. Just because we pray to God does not mean that God agrees with us or will right all wrongs. It does not mean that God will answer all our requests but instead God may have other ideas. The author writes, “Whatever prayer does it does not absolve us of responsibility for our actions . . . “ I would add it also doesn’t absolve us of doing everything we can to make whatever it is we are praying so desperately about to happen. God created us with talents, and brilliant minds, with hearts that love and that are diligent and capable of great faith. The author goes on to say that prayer can be a beautiful and powerful thing, but it is only one component of a faithful life.
Like Rachel, faithfulness is often the key to recognizing the answers God provides and for dealing with what life sends our way. Job’s faithfulness was more than I think I could ever have mustered in his situation. Perseverance walks along with faithfulness. Job’s example of both can be inspiring and humbling. We may feel as though God has turned away but nothing could be less true. My friend’s reflection ended with this quote from Bp. Mariann Budde: " To persevere in faithfulness is our greatest gift to the world. The most influential moments in our lives and in human history depend far more than we realize on our faithfulness in small things, as we rise each day, like Rachel, and put a little water in our cup."
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - As you reflect on your life, where are some “small cups” that need water? What obstacles do you face as you approach them? How can God help as you face these challenges?