Sometimes we ask ourselves the question "Why me?" when a hardship strikes. The Apostle Paul answers that question for us in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. He concludes that as we go through various trials God comforts us so that we can comfort others when they go through similar circumstances. When I first read that passage my thoughts were, "I would rather avoid negative situations altogether." However, as God has dealt with me on this issue, I have come to realize the growth that takes place fulfilling the role of comforter.
Several times in my life people have called me to "talk." What they wanted to discuss was an event in their life which had negative consequences. Some lost jobs, some had family problems, while others had health issues. As the conversations unfolded, the most common response from me was, "I understand how you must feel." No one can fully understand the feelings of someone going through a hardship. But one can get pretty close if they have experienced the same thing.
There have been times when a person will say, "I called you because I knew you would understand." Such a moment came this past week. A friend called to talk about the effect an illness was having on them. The illness is not curable and the treatment regimen has side effects that are unpleasant. I know because I have the same illness and am on similar medication.
The conversation didn't last very long but I came away from it uplifted. Rather than grovel in self pity, as is easy to do, the Lord encouraged me. Whether the conversation was helpful to my friend, I may never know. But what I do know is we both prayed for each other before we hung up the phone. You see, my friend and I can't do anything about our medical condition. But we can do something about our spiritual condition, and we did. We placed each other in the hands of a loving Father Who wants the best for us.
Friend, if you are reading this, I hope you are comforted by God as He has comforted me as a result of your call. Hang in there and call me as often as you need.
Several times in my life people have called me to "talk." What they wanted to discuss was an event in their life which had negative consequences. Some lost jobs, some had family problems, while others had health issues. As the conversations unfolded, the most common response from me was, "I understand how you must feel." No one can fully understand the feelings of someone going through a hardship. But one can get pretty close if they have experienced the same thing.
There have been times when a person will say, "I called you because I knew you would understand." Such a moment came this past week. A friend called to talk about the effect an illness was having on them. The illness is not curable and the treatment regimen has side effects that are unpleasant. I know because I have the same illness and am on similar medication.
The conversation didn't last very long but I came away from it uplifted. Rather than grovel in self pity, as is easy to do, the Lord encouraged me. Whether the conversation was helpful to my friend, I may never know. But what I do know is we both prayed for each other before we hung up the phone. You see, my friend and I can't do anything about our medical condition. But we can do something about our spiritual condition, and we did. We placed each other in the hands of a loving Father Who wants the best for us.
Friend, if you are reading this, I hope you are comforted by God as He has comforted me as a result of your call. Hang in there and call me as often as you need.
