“God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”—2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“You need to call this person,” my wife, Vicki, told a friend. “She knows what you’re going through. She gets it.”
Our friend had been given a hard diagnosis after a series of medical tests. She was baffled and scared, trying to be strong. When she finally made that call, she found such comfort and encouragement that she wished she had done it sooner. She finally talked to someone who “gets it” and could share her experience and offer hope.
There are so many reasons to ask why we go through trials. Sometimes we don’t even ask; we just numbly attempt to endure, often too stoically, trying to keep our suffering private.
We’ve all known people who’ve had a hard blow in life. A terrible loss, or devastating diagnosis, a difficult family situation, or financial ruin—there are numerous ways to suffer in this world!
Our afflictions have a purpose. Suffering causes us to dig deep into our faith, to learn to trust our heavenly Father, to ask for comfort and help. And we grow more sensitive to others’ needs and pain, and can be used to comfort others because now we “get it.”
God will comfort us so we can comfort others from a place of genuine understanding.
If you are suffering, please don’t hesitate to ask for help, especially for prayer and comfort. And when you think you can’t bear any more or don’t understand the why of this trial, reach out to comfort another.
People are hurting all around us and need what God has to offer through you: comfort, understanding, healing, encouragement, peace, and hope.
“When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else when you get into the light.”— Oswald Chambers.
