“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
God uses the hardships in our life, not only to transform us, but also to help others who will one day be in the same situation or who are currently experiencing the same trials. Instead of focusing on the big “why” question of our situations, God wants us to look at the bigger picture and see a few things. He knows that if we get caught up on the “why” of things, we’ll be stuck there, unable to get out. When we focus on what we can learn from the situation, it’s then that God will be able to refine us, draw us closer to Him, and allow us to grow in our faith through the difficult times.
We will never draw closer to God and grow in Him unless we experience tough times where God is our only refuge. That doesn’t mean we enjoy the tough times; rather, we think about how to best learn from the situation. After the situation has refined us and stretched us, we will be able to realize that perhaps God wants us to share our secrets of overcoming trials with others who are currently going through the same thing.
Maybe the purpose for your pain is to help provide healing. Take a moment to think about the problem you’re facing. Who are the people around you that you know have the same issue? What can you do for them this season that will encourage them when the going gets tough?
Dear Lord, we thank you so much for guiding us through the very rough times. Please enable us to endure to set an example for others and further your kingdom. Amen.
TAKE ACTION
Rely on God and pray to Him for direction and endurance in order to overcome to be a testimony and help to others. Then find someone to bless!