“Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
When under great trial a suffering person demonstrates great endurance it is said they have “the patience of Job.”
This idiom is predictably applied to the many of us who persevere under great hardship, growing resilience that may also be said to reveal a concealed coat of armour that repels any thought of surrendering to fear of failing to achieve our goals.
Joseph sold into slavery by his brothers would endure years of hardship, and suffering that grew him into a wise, and experienced steward of his master's estate sufficiently to be recommended to serve The Pharaoh the result of being able to interpret the king's dreams foreseeing seven years of plenty followed by years of food shortages leading to starvation. Joseph's wise advice to The Pharaoh to build granaries during the years of good harvests would ensure that the Egyptian people had sufficient food during the famine years.
That our cup floweth over is also an invitation not to drown in a sea of self indulgence, wherein our excess suffocates any possibility of sharing our good fortune with those in great lack, visibly present when ever we open our eyes to identify poverty close at hand.
And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. ~ Hebrews 13:16
Our abundance is more than a healthy bank account and full stomach it is our awareness that our excess has been granted to us to share with those who by chance are sent to us to participate in the banquet that we receive to welcome the needy to sup at our side.
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. ~Proverbs 19:17
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