2 Corinthians 1:4
He’s the one who comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort other people who are in every kind of trouble. We offer the same comfort that we ourselves received from God. CEB
What you go through in life has a way of enabling you to help others. Instead of making you bitter, your experiences can make you better. Never waste your pain!
The way God comforts us enables us to comfort those also undergoing life challenges. Our survival gives us hope that other sufferers can also survive. Victors are empathetic to others still involved in battle. If you’ve been through stuff, you don’t jump to judge and condemn others. You’re sympathetic, sensitive and hopeful. You know that to be down is not to be out.
“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2Co 4:8-9).
Think about it. Identify key experiences you’ve had over the years. Prayerfully think about how they can help you to help others. How did you rise above your past circumstances? What lessons did you learn? Think about who can benefit from your testimony. Consider how your experiential knowledge can avert future problems for yourself and your loved ones. Don’t waste your pain!
Pastor Josh