And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Philippians 1:12
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
2 Corinthians 1:4
...who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Many times I have wondered why we have to go through troubling times and others have told me that we should count everything as a blessing. That's hard to do when you hurt, but turning to God for comfort makes dealing with the hurt so much easier. After the hurt is over we find that it's even easier to share our experience with those that are going through something similar.
I once read a story about a doctor who had to have a major surgery. Being a surgeon himself, he knew what the technical aspects of the surgery would be like. It wasn't until after the surgery he gained insight into what an actual patient experiences. That one surgery has made him a better surgeon. Our life experiences, good and bad, make us better equipped to share with others, offer them encouragement and fulfils God's purpose for our lives.
3 comments:
so very true, phyllis....thank you for putting a beautiful picture into words.
xo,
kimberly
your post reminded me of a friend of ours who has been going through the police academy to be a highway patrolman...a couple of weeks ago as part of his training he had to be pepper sprayed and very soon he will have to experience the tazer. The idea is that he will have a better understanding of what he is inflicting on others having been through it himself. Wouldn't it be nice if we were given "trial experiences" of our pains and sorrows so we might seek alternatives...but then perhaps we would not know the intimacy of a relationship with Christ and I do believe that is worth any burden we must carry. He always provides the necessary strength we need and is THE perfect refuge in our day to day battles (even the ones we have with ourselves).
Have a sweet and lovely day ~
Phyllis, I've held the hand and embraced four mothers who've lost adult children since I lost my son 3 years ago. I've spent many an hour on the phone and prayed many more for others. I do not think God let me lose my son so I could be a comfort to others. But I believe I am a comfort to others because I lost my son and know what I needed for comfort.
I think this is true of about all our difficulties. And it's when I withdraw into myself, that I recognize how little I have to console myself. It's when I reach beyond myself that I am comforted beyond any consolation imaginable. It's there I meet God with skin, so to speak. selahV
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