My inward parts are in turmoil and never still; days of affliction come to meet me. (Job 30:27, ESV)

These words vividly captured the battle within Job. In one day, he lost all he owned and those he held dear. Unimaginable anguish. To top it off, “loathsome sores” erupted all over him, making him unrecognisable. (Job 1-2). He could not fathom why these were happening. He didn’t think he did anything to deserve them. But his three friends insisted he did evil to merit these afflictions, increasing his internal torment. And his faith in the Lord was stretched to its limit.

Few can fully comprehend all Job suffered, without and within. However, his story helps us empathise with the young people in this REACH. Their stories open up the wounds wrecking their lives in our fast-paced, interconnected, broken world.

We don’t wish for young people to walk such painful journeys but sadly, there are many who do – some suffering more than others.

These youths fight battles within constantly. But they cannot fight alone. They need people to stand for them and with them to lighten their burdens and ease their pain.

Our staff who walk with these youths don’t have all the answers. But depending on the Lord, they point them to the Anchor – Jesus. May these young anguished souls find the same comfort the woman who suffered inwardly for 12 years did when Jesus said to her: “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace” (Luke 8:48).