Do you believe that the struggles we endure in life can help others if we allow them to? If we are open to it, our hurts can lead us to our most effective ministry.
As Christians, we know we will walk through many different valleys throughout our lifetime. During these times, a godly response to rest in faith and hope will offer the peace that passes all understanding. We will find that our story becomes our ministry when we respond this way.
Ministry is most effective when the people you encounter can connect with you. A kindred heart draws us to others, reveals that we aren’t alone, and can offer encouragement to someone walking a similar path. We can read about encouraging others in our struggles in 2 Corinthians 1:3 (ESV).
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Several years ago, I lost my husband to a sudden heart attack when my two boys were very young. I longed for someone to talk to who understood what I was going through and could assure me they had felt this hurt and that everything would be ok. God sent me a friend who was just that and, most importantly, willing to share and talk with me when I needed it most. She used her pain to encourage me to keep persevering through mine.
Have you ever looked for God’s greater purpose in your struggles? Be assured that God can use your story to reach someone where no one else can. What encouragement can your story bring to someone else’s life? Let’s ask God to reveal this to us today.
As Christians, we know we will walk through many different valleys throughout our lifetime. During these times, a godly response to rest in faith and hope will offer the peace that passes all understanding. We will find that our story becomes our ministry when we respond this way.
Ministry is most effective when the people you encounter can connect with you. A kindred heart draws us to others, reveals that we aren’t alone, and can offer encouragement to someone walking a similar path. We can read about encouraging others in our struggles in 2 Corinthians 1:3 (ESV).
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Several years ago, I lost my husband to a sudden heart attack when my two boys were very young. I longed for someone to talk to who understood what I was going through and could assure me they had felt this hurt and that everything would be ok. God sent me a friend who was just that and, most importantly, willing to share and talk with me when I needed it most. She used her pain to encourage me to keep persevering through mine.
Have you ever looked for God’s greater purpose in your struggles? Be assured that God can use your story to reach someone where no one else can. What encouragement can your story bring to someone else’s life? Let’s ask God to reveal this to us today.
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13 Comments
I definitely agree! God does use our struggle for His good purpose, which in turn blesses us.
Love "our story becomes our ministry." So good.
Thank you for sharing Andi!
I belong to a private support group for Caregivers of Spouses with a Dementia disease. It's a community of sharing and caring. Listening and encouraging. We also offer insight and solutions to problems for those just starting their journey. It truly is a blessing to take our pain and help each other survive the days ahead.
Amen sister! 🙌ðŸ»
When you were going through this I couldn't imagine how you would ever move forward but that love for the Lord your family has always instilled in you took hold and as a church we seen how God started making a way in this sorrowful time in your life. I'm so happy that you had the people around you that God placed there to help you min by min and hr by hr. And continue to every day. I was there when you gave your testimony at the women's tea. It was powerful and I know that through your pain you have helped others while Christ was helping you! Beautiful!💜💜💜
Thank you Sarah for your continued love and support. Love you
Andi, I've known you since you were a little girl. I love your heart and love you have for The Lord. The things you've had to deal with in your life you I'm sure you've had doubts that you could handle it. But with God you always strifes forward. Love sweetie always. Thanks for sharing ðŸ™ðŸ»â¤ï¸
Thank you Sherry! I was so blessed by you as my 2nd momma growing up. Love you so much
Andi, this is your first message I have read, you have always been a strong woman and for that I thank God! I always enjoy seeing your smiles and the love for God. I feel your pain! Love you 💜
I know you understand struggles my friend! Im always here for you
Thanks for the kind words. Love you
That was so beautifully said!!! I love you and your precious heart!!!ðŸ˜
Outstanding and helpful article Andi. Thanks for being transparent. You are helping others by sharing your struggles and the comfort you received from our savior and his people. Thanks for being available
Thank you friend! I love you