Recently, I was reminded by a friend that when I go through the desert, I should dig a well for the next person to come along behind me. God can use my suffering for His glory and others' encouragement. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
As we all know, life is sometimes very hard. When I am hit hard by life's circumstances and feel like I've been knocked down, my first inclination is to to protect myself by pulling into my self and covering my wounds. I'm learning that when I pull in to cover my wounds, the whirlwind of emotion and pain spins out of control. But, when I reach out my hands toward others, it slows the spin. I picture a figure skater performing. When she goes into a spin, she pulls in her arms and her speed increases. When she wants to slow down, she reaches out. That illustration has always reminded me to reach out to Jesus for comfort and to reach out to others to provide a comforting word, a prayer, a note of encouragement.
Healing can still be a long process but remembering that there are others suffering helps me keep my troubles in perspective. When I'm not focused on me, my perspective is clearer. I'm then able to see the hurting and wounded around me. Because of my trials and troubles I'm better able to understand the hardships of those around me. It causes me to have compassion.
Sometimes a friend just needs a listening ear, someone who understands what they are struggling with, someone who will pray for them and let them vent their frustrations and doubts without judgment or trying to "fix" it. But who will also gently lead them back to Jesus. Galatians 6:2.
Our Lord is big enough to carry us and He knows what we need. He sends each of us to lift up and encourage our fellow travelers in this life. Sometimes a handwritten note, a bouquet of flowers, a home-cooked meal (or cookies) can be just the thing someone needs to keep putting one foot in front of the other as the Lord works in their time of struggle.
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