Where Does the Leader Go...by Amie

I've often felt useless when I see someone who has been an encouragement to me go through their own trials.  I feel that I couln't possibly do them justice after all that they've been to me. 

It appears that by the way Eliphaz is speaking to Job in chapter 5 about how he has been an encourangement to so many that Job himself just might be one of those mighty men of God for his own community.  Then in chapter 6, he goes on to ask Job (basically paraphrased), "So which one of the religious peoples are you gonna go to for help now that you're in need?"  Of all the ways that Job's been described, this is the first time I've thought of him as one of the "top dogs" of religious matters.  I just thought he happened to be famous for how prosperous he was and he also "happened" to be a righteous man, but now I really believe he was the one to go to for counsel, spiritual guidance, comfort, etc.  So, again, who does that "top dog" go to?  Why of course, he goes to God.  But this also tells me that we're all vulnerable to go through suffering whether you're the student or the teacher, the seeker of advice or the advice columnist, the lay person or the pastor...and when the "top dog" finds himself in need of comfort, there's no reason why he can't seek for it in his friends even if his friends don't consider themselves to be at his level.  I hope that all those who I consider to be mentors to me, consider me to be a friend, not just a student, and someone who would listen and offer comforting words.  I'd hate to think that someone would feel they don't have anyone to go to just because they're usually the one giving the advice.

 The heartfelt counsel of a friend
      is as sweet as perfume and incense.

Proverbs 27:9