Learning To Not Waste My Pain

In summary of 2 Corinthians 1:4-5 it says, “He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives.”

Bottom Line:

God comforts us when we experience trouble, so that we can share similar comfort with those in need. We can be assured that the more we undergo sufferings for Christ, the more he will shower us with his comfort and encouragement.

What this means to me:

God has promised to comfort and help me when I’m in deep trouble. I am to share this same comfort, with others in need of sympathy and encouragement. I can be certain that the more I undergo suffering for Christ, the more he will comfort me.

This verse tells me that perhaps my greatest ministry will flow out of my pain; not out of my strengths or talents but rather out of the painful experiences of my life. It is my weaknesses that helps other people in their need, not necessarily my strengths.

A great example of this is the apostle Paul. In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul says that he was in a time of his life when he was so discouraged that he was ready to kick the bucket. He despaired of life itself. He was ready to give up on life. He was ready to crawl in a corner and die.

But Paul was able to say this in 2 Corinthians 1:2-5: “I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives” (CEV).

Who can be more sympathetic than somebody who has already been through what another person is going through right now. So in short, I shouldn’t waste my pain. If I hide and hold it back, it won’t do any good. But if I can be honest with God, myself and with others, God can use the thing I may have hated the most, had the biggest disappointment with, and that I wished may never had happened. God is saying, “You can’t change what happened to you. But I can use it for your benefit and for my purposes.” If I’m willing to share my brokenness, God can use it to help others.