Ginbot 2 — May 10

Job, the Patient Man

Long ago there lived a very good man named Job. He loved God with his whole heart, and the Bible tells us that in his days there was no one as good and fair as Job. He was kind, he was honest, and he always tried to do what was right.

Then some very hard days came to Job. In just one day, almost everything he had was lost: his animals, his land, and even his children. Soon after, his body grew sick with painful sores from his head to his feet. That was a lot of sadness for one person to carry.

But Job did not stop loving God. Even when he hurt, he gave thanks. Even when friends said unkind things and his wife told him to give up on God, Job held on. He said something so beautiful that people still remember it today.

After a long time, God spoke to Job from a cloud and made him completely well again. God gave Job back twice as much as he had lost, and gave him new children too. Job lived to be very old and happy, and he died in peace. Job teaches us to keep trusting God, because God always takes care of us in the end.

Being patient like Job means waiting and trusting with a kind heart, even when things are hard.

God gave, and God has taken away. Blessed be the Name of God forever!— Job 1:21

You have heard of the patience of Job, and seen how good God was to him.— James 5:11

Abba Theodore, the Gentle Helper

This day also belongs to a holy father named Abba Theodore (say it: thee-oh-DORE). He was a monk, living a quiet life of prayer with other people who loved God.

Abba Theodore was gentle, humble, and kind. He became a monk with a great teacher named Abba Pachomius (say it: pa-KOH-mee-us), who loved him very much because Theodore always listened and obeyed with a happy heart. God gave Theodore wisdom and understanding, and even when he was still young, he helped teach and encourage all the other monks. He was like a comforting friend to everyone.

When Abba Pachomius died, Theodore was chosen to be the new leader of all the monks. He never wanted people to praise him; he only wanted to serve God. He worked hard, prayed faithfully, and finished his task well. Then he went home to the God he loved so much. Abba Theodore shows us that a humble, helping heart is one of the kindest ways to love God.

The Brave Friends of Abba 'Esi

We also remember twenty-two friends who were with a holy man named Abba 'Esi (say it: EH-see). They loved God so much that they stayed faithful to Him no matter what, all the way to the end of their lives. We call them martyrs, because they kept loving God even when it cost them everything they had.

We do not know each of their names, but God knows every single one. They were not afraid, because they trusted that they were going home to be with God forever. Today we thank God for these twenty-two brave friends and ask them to pray for us, so that we can be faithful and brave too.