We can face anything, endure anything, as long as we know or believe it will not last for ever, and that something better will happen. For instance, people will face a long painful and dangerous operation if they believe it will make them well again.

We are now in the season of Lent when we think of Jesus being led into the wilderness. He was tempted there to go away from the work God wanted him to do. He was tempted by the attraction of power, of wealth and honour.

The prophet Isaiah and the apostles Paul and Peter did great things for God. Yet each of them had an inferiority complex. They had a low opinion of themselves. They had low self esteem. They did not put themselves forward, but were still called by God. They accepted that call reluctantly, convinced that they were unworthy of it.