Pay It Forward

If it ain't one thing, it's another. Isn't that the way it seems life goes.  Someone who is uninformed may think that the God we serve is rather cruel for allowing bad things to happen to those of us who are trying so hard to live right.  But as Paul says in II Corinthians 1:8. 'For we do not want you to be ignorant brothers of the affliction we experienced...'  Your pain serves a purpose and the concept that I think was the hardest for me to wrap my head around, was that purpose was not always for my benefit but for the benefit of others. When you lost your job and God provided for you and your family through it all on half the income....this was a way for you to encourage someone else.  When your mom or  dad passed away too soon..it was so you could be that shoulder someone else could lean on.  When your marriage turned sour and you couldn't see it's survival but then God turned it around and now you have a thriving relationship...it was to give someone else hope.  And even for the marriage that didn't turn around but you were able to stop beating yourself up and realize that you were worthy of love and actually found that love...it was also to help someone else.  What about having to put your life on hold and care for a sick child or parent or having to deal with your own illness and those around you still see you praising God and going forth.  Or what about your not so good past, where you did a few things you are not particularly proud of and God forgave you.  Your test has now become your testimony. 

II Corinthians 1:4, 'who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God'. 

Saints of God , we are all survivors.  We have survived our share of life's ups and down.  Tests and trials.  There have been times when I know that you thought you would not make it.  But the God of Comfort stepped in and wrapped His loving arms around you and let you know that it would be alright.  He came right alongside you to help you in the midst of the storm.  He did not take you out of the situation but He got right up in the midst and provided strength and gave you courage and boldness to stand.  I know that you may feel that there is always something coming up trying to weaken your faith.  At times it feels as though it is about to crush the very life out of your body.  That is when, during your journey of trust, you have to know what you know.  There is no room for doubt.  You must believe that the God of Comfort will strengthen and sustain you.  The trials that you face are not just for you to bury deep down in your memory, never wanting to reflect on your past.  I am a firm believer that God provides specific opportunities for us to share our story with others.  Suffering is a part of our salvation.  It helps to be godly patience and endurance.  Stop feeling sorry for yourself and thank God that He chose to use you for His glory. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.  I just want to thank You for the mountains and the valleys.  Thank you for every test and every trial.  Help me to remember to count my blessings in the midst of it all.  Help me to carry it forward and be a blessing to someone else always.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.