Embracing the Hardship

Life is hard. It's filled with pain, heartache, disappointment, grief, and discontentment. Every time I find myself going through one of these difficult times, without fail, the question "why?" crosses my mind. Awhile back, my amazing husband blogged about pain (in fact, it was this blog that pushed me over the edge to madly-in-love with him). Read it if you haven't. I guarantee you will be blessed. Brian's blog speaks of the hidden blessings in the tough times, and how we should embrace the pain, knowing that God will use the hardship we endure for His purposes in the end. Still, despite knowing this, I still inevitably ask "why do I have to go through this?"

God has answered that question, yet again. Those of you who have read my testimony know that I went through a very dark period five years ago. At the time, I asked "why?" Not long after, Christ clearly answered that question when I came to know Him as my savior. But he continues to answer my "why?" Just this week I was blessed to meet with a woman going through a similar situation that I went through. Although the facts are different, the root of the issue is the same. She, too, is placing her security in things other than Christ. I was moved to tears as she asked me to walk along side her as she worked through these issues. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, "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 have received from God." What a blessing to use what I have learned through the hardships I have endured to show Christ's love and comfort to another. Knowing that the pain I suffered may help another grow closer to Christ makes it all worth it.

Lord, use me. Open my eyes to the people and situations around me that enable me to display your grace, love, mercy, and comfort. What an honor to be Your vessel.