When we face struggle and adversity in our lives our natural tendency is to ask why. We might think that we are being punished for something and that our sins are catching up with us. But the prophet Isaiah has another view: God is our teacher, and this great teacher uses adversity and affliction to mould us into just and compassionate human beings. Isaiah is speaking to the exiles in Babylon who felt that God had abandoned them and that life would never be good again. He encourages them to be patient, compassionate, loving, and faithful. God was still very much with them and planned a happy and abundant future for Israel. How we respond to the struggles and challenges of life determines what sort of person we will become.

Our own world is very much like the world of Jesus' time. Immense suffering, fear, and confusion are the lot of many people as well as whole societies and nations. Jesus was moved with compassion for the human condition and lamented that although the needs were so great there were relatively few who were willing and able to guide, protect, and comfort. Jesus worked tirelessly to heal, encourage, and comfort and he sent his disciples to do the same. And anyone who claims the name Christian must be willing to do what is in their power to continue his work. Let us make a contribution - however small - each day that we are on this earth.