Sometimes in life, we go through unpleasant experiences that test our faith. It could be an expectation that didn't materialize, or the sudden death of a loved one. When such things occur, we’re faced with the choice of either caving in or facing the situation with faith and courage.
During his missionary trips, Apostle Paul suffered many ordeals, which were well-documented in his epistles and the Acts of the Apostles. However, from our theme scripture, we see that he was conscious of the comfort he received from the Lord in such trying times, and he remarked that the comfort he got was to enable him encourage others who were in trouble: “He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us” (2 Corinthians 1:4 MSG). Paul saw his tribulations as moments of equipping.
It's important that you never allow any hurtful experience overwhelm you in life. Instead, develop courage, and open your heart to receive the comfort that the Holy Spirit ministers. He'll make you victorious over the circumstances and empower you to bring succour to others who are experiencing challenges. You've got a God-given purpose in the earth; don't let any hurts or disappointments keep you from fulfilling it.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I thank you for the comfort you give me, and for the courage I get through the Word. I'm empowered for victory and enabled to heal others who're suffering, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
