In 2 Corinthians 1:4-5 it says, “[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.” (NLT)
When I’m going through pain, I can choose to focus on myself or on other people. When I choose to focus on serving other hurting people, that’s called redemptive suffering. It is the highest and best use of my pain.
No matter what pain I’ve gone through, Jesus wants to redeem my suffering. He doesn’t want it to be wasted! He wants to use it to help other people when they are in pain.
“[God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:4-5 NLT).
Who’s better qualified to help someone with debt than somebody who also struggled with debt?
Who’s better qualified to help a struggling veteran than somebody who’s been a struggling veteran? Who’s better qualified to help someone recovering from a prescription drug addiction than somebody who has recovered from a prescription drug addiction? Who could better help someone who is suffering from a chronic illness than someone who has also suffered in the same way?
My greatest ministry will come out of my deepest pain. If I’ll be honest with God, others, and myself about whatever struggle I’ve faced, then that struggle will become my ministry.
Sharing my strengths doesn’t make me feel any closer to someone. But when I share the experiences that have led me to surrender to God and rely on his strength, then I’ll be connected to others more deeply than I can imagine. Why? Because when I—as a broken person—share with other broken people how God has restored me, I’m not just sharing something I have in common. I’m sharing hope that other people can also experience redemption through Jesus Christ.
Sharing my pain helps me and the people around me to grow in Christ. Using my pain to serve others is a form of ministry.
I shouldn’t waste my pain. Let God use it for my greatest ministry.
Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should go away. But if that were always so, people would turn to God only out of a desire to be relieved of pain and not out of love for him. I must understand that being comforted can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our troubles. The more we suffer, the more comfort God gives us. If I am feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort me. Remember that every trail I endure will help me comfort other people who are Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should go away. But if that were always so, people would turn to God only out of a desire to be relieved of pain and not out of love for him. I must understand that being comforted can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our troubles. The more we suffer, the more comfort God gives us. If I am feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort me. Remember that every trail I endure will help me comfort other people who are suffering similar troubles. similar troubles.
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