Author: Nathaniel Colt

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Read: Philippians 1:27–30

Do you know how lions hunt other animals? Lions target animals that are separated from their herd, isolated and alone. The lions stalk their target, stealthily creeping closer until they are within striking distance. It’s important for herds to stay strong together to survive.

Satan, our enemy, would like us to feel as if we are going through something unique and there’s no one we can talk to. This is a trick, a lie to separate us from other believers who can provide support and encouragement. Even when we suffer, we can trust Jesus to always be there for us and to understand what we are facing. He knows how we feel because He, too, has suffered. When we share our struggles with other believers, they can encourage us, pray with us, and help us keep our focus on God. They can also tell us how God has helped them through something like what we’re facing.

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Read: Hebrews 2:16–18

Have you ever tried telling a funny story to someone who didn’t see the event as it happened? They may have found the story mildly amusing, but not nearly as funny as those who saw it. Or maybe you’ve tried describing something incredible to someone, but they just weren’t getting it because they didn’t experience it with you.

Jesus understands what we’re feeling when bad things happen because He suffered when He lived here on earth. He endured the emotional pain of being misunderstood by His family (Mark 3:20–21), unfair public criticism including death threats, betrayal by close associates, and a wrongful conviction and death sentence. Physically, He endured hunger, travel over long distances in harsh conditions, being physically beaten, and being publicly executed in a slow, brutal manner. He is no stranger to pain and heartbreak, so who better do we have to go to when we face difficulties ourself? Suffering is a part of life, and, at some point, everyone faces trouble. However, God is merciful and is always faithful to help us.

Read about It

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:25–27

In the middle of the night, you decide to get out of bed and walk to the kitchen for a drink of water. All the lights are out and it’s completely dark in your house. As you stumble through the living room, “Bam!” Your toe smashes into something. Immediately, your whole body reacts. Your mouth says, “Ouch!” Your back bends and your hand grabs your throbbing toe.

The church should operate like that when someone hurts. When people suffer, the church body should react to support them and to care for them. God expects His people to care for each other and support each other through both good and bad times.

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Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3–7

When bad things happen or when people are sad, they search for comfort in many places. Some may cuddle up with their favorite blanket. Others may go for a walk or a run. Some may listen to music or talk to a friend. Although these things may be of some value, none of them can compare to the comfort God provides.

God is the source of all comfort. He has a plan and purpose for our life, and, sometimes, for reasons only known to Him, He allows bad things to happen. He uses these times to draw us closer to Him and to strengthen our faith. He also uses these events in our life to give us opportunities to encourage others who may face similar situations. We can receive comfort from God, and we can direct others to Him to receive the comfort they need.