Bible references: Genesis 12:1-3; Job 1; Gal 4:21-31 Abraham:  Faithful.  Genesis 12:1-3.  Abraham was called by God to a land he didn't know.  Abraham wasn't perfect.  He made many mistakes and it took many years for him to get to the land God wanted him to go to.  But God made Abraham a promise - see Genesis 12:1-3 Joseph:  Honourable.  Joseph trusted and obeyed God through trials and temptations.  He learned to forgive those who had treated him badly. God used Joseph to save the known world at that time from famine.  Joseph was highly respected even in prison and then as Prime Minister in Egypt. Job: Righteous.  He loved God.  He wasn't perfect.  He made sacrifices on behalf of his children in case they had sinned.  But Job wasn't God and he couldn't make his children right with God.  Each person is accountable for their relationship with God. Are you in a place of bondage or freedom?  It's not about whether there is trouble in your life or

Job 5:1-27 Do you know people you find wearying?   They incessantly 'share' stories of the personal wrongs done to them with anyone who will listen, and frankly, they become a burden. These people weary you, so you avoid them. Yes, I know that's not what Jesus would do. However, if we are truthful, it is what we do.   We all know others in far worse circumstances than these people - yet they who endure such circumstances are often the ones we delight to be around. Why?   Their lives exude joy! They encourage you, and you come away with a renewed sense of purpose, an uplifted spirit, and a smile.   Certainly, they're wounded, and they know it. But those who are a delight to be around even in the midst of their difficulties, don't bathe in that woundedness and others are drawn to them because of their joy. We cringe from the attitude of those who weary us and we're attracted to the attitude of those whom even in the trials of their own lives, encourage u