By Pastor Dave
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJ) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Are you going through a rough time, a trying time, a difficult time, a painful time or an agonizing time? Have you asked God why, why me, why now, why this? Have you cried out to God in your hurt and pain? Have you wondered what good can come from this? If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, then read the above passage again. Know that God does not waste a thing that you go through.
We live in a fallen world where bad and painful things happen and where life is sometimes unfair. But when these things do come our way, God will give us the mercy and grace to go through these times. Our pain and suffering are not wasted. God will comfort us and make us stronger and help us to be better equipped to minister to others.
Our trials allow God to work deep into our spirits. When we see others hurting it can be difficult to adequately minister to them when we have no idea what they are going through and no idea of what they are feeling. But when we can say “been there, done that”, we have the ability to minister the grace and comfort to them from that which we ourselves have received. God can turn our pain into a ministry. Have you gone through a painful situation? Are you still hurting? Seek the face of God and ask Him how you can use it as a ministry and as a way to minister to others who may be going through something now.
Personally, because of the things I have been through, I am better equipped to minister to others. I know what it is like to have severe financial issues, to lose a job and not be able to find one for a very long time. I know what it is like to be in a major vehicle accident with serious injuries. I know what it is like to be betrayed by someone I trusted. I know what it is like to have a grandchild die. I know what it is like to have a child have cancer. I know what it is like to bury both parents. I know what it is like to hear the word “cancer” spoken over my spouse and myself. I can say “been there, done that.” I can also say “God has met me at every turn, in every situation, and each time He has given me His peace and His grace and His joy”. Now, I can minister with a deeper understanding to those who may be going through their own trials.
So, what is your painful trial? What are you going through? Look to Jesus, seek God and receive HIs comfort and then ask Him to show you how to turn your pain and His comfort into ministry to others. Don’t waste what God has done for you.