The Birthplace of Comforting Others

Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:4 NIV

I have a close friend in Michigan who lives with a lot of physical pain. She has suffered with migraines since childhood, endured back and neck pain, and now her journey includes multiple sclerosis. In order to slow the progress of the MS, she must give herself a weekly shot that results in flu like symptoms for several days. She once told me she has never experienced a pain free day in her life. Her “good” days are when the pain is merely tolerable. She is one who is presently fettered by pain and she can minister to another individual who suffers with physical pain in ways that I cannot. She can also share the reality of God’s presence, strength, and comfort in the midst of it all. The compassion in her eyes and voice has been birthed through her own personal suffering.

Others are coming to mind this morning that have experienced heartbreak that will one day be used to comfort another. I think of a friend who lost twins early on in her pregnancy and now anticipates the birth of a daughter in September. I think of a number of friends who are walking a path of having daughters pregnant out of wedlock. I think of a dear friend who has experienced the break up of two marriages. I think of a couple in Michigan who were instrumental in my life as a teenager and now walk through days following brain surgery on him. I anticipate the day each of these sit across from a hurting individual and comfort them with the comfort they have received from the Father’s hand.

While my story would be different, God is desiring to do the same thing in me. I experienced this last night as I talked with a friend in the store. Her adult son is going through the difficulty of an ended relationship. I found myself deeply moved by his plight and very aware of all that must be going on in his internal world because I had walked a similar path in the last year. There were aspects of his heartache that I could easily identify and relate with because of my own experience. My ability to pray for him is deepened and broadened because of the memories I house as a result of my own circumstances. If given the opportunity, I could share with him the way God has walked me through the valley and graciously delivered me from the torment of it all.

Dear reader, the same is true for you! Ministry is birthed out of your own hurts, losses, disappointments, pain, and suffering. Know that one day you too will look into the eyes of a broken person and be used of God to comfort them in profound ways. I celebrate His work in us all!

Father, my tears will one day mingle with those of a hurting individual. I rejoice that nothing You have allowed in my life need ever be wasted. In Your wisdom, faithfulness, and love, continue to bring into my life that which would eventually comfort others. Amen.