God has an amazing vision for our lives to bring him glory, and to help, encourage and comfort others along the way!
“He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1.4
When we are facing a crisis, one of the most comforting things we can hear from a friend is, “ I too, have experienced this, and I will pray and walk with you through this journey.” God’s plans are omniscient and he employs your trials by placing you in your community, church, office, or on a board of an organization at a time when you can comfort and encourage others through their troubles.
I have a very close friend who was diagnosed with one of the more aggressive varieties of cancer. When she shared her diagnosis with me, I asked her what I could pray for, and she said, “Please pray that I will share Jesus with everyone I meet.” Her answer deeply touched, inspired, and encouraged me. In light of this horrible diagnosis and obvious pain and suffering, my precious friend first and foremost wanted to share the hope of the gospel. Despite her situation, she had her sights clearly focused on Christ and her perspective was renewed by the reinvigorating promises of God.
Recently, I had trouble focusing and one day, while at the store, I decided to try on a pair of reading glasses. When I put one of the pair on, I could barely see. It is amazing how one set of lenses can help one person’s vision, and at the same time, make mine worse. We often look at life through different lenses, but is it imperative for Christians to look at their circumstances through the lens of Jesus. I am reminded of this in Chris Tomlin and Brandon Lake’s beautiful song, “I See You.”
Let’s look to God as the God who is the God of love and a God that is so faithful even during dark times. He has an amazing vision for our lives to bring him glory, and to help, encourage and comfort others along the way! All it takes, is to look at our lives through his lens and not our own.
Heavenly Father, by your Spirit, give us your perspective and vision to see the bigger story and to bring you glory. Thank you Lord, for comforting us in our troubles and give us the strength to help those who need comforting. In Jesus’ name, amen.
By Julie Lairsey
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• Caring Enough to Tell Others about Christ
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