“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galations 6:2

When tragedy and pain cause heartache and suffering we too often ask ourselves the wrong question.

Why?
Why me?
Why this?

I think it’s important to ask the right question. We need to ask ourselves something different.

What?
What is God’s plan for this pain?
What am I supposed to learn from this trial?

I believe we can actually use the pain in our lives for something positive. I’m not making light of your heartache….or guaranteeing that your disease will be cured overnight. And I don’t mean that just because you put your faith and trust in God suffering magically goes away. It doesn’t. BUT – as Christians, we can embrace our earthly trials with God’s strength and grow from the experiences we are going through.

With God’s love and comfort, the tears and sorrow we battle through today, slowly and quietly change to compassion and empathy for others in the future.

I’ve grieved the loss of a child. God was my comfort. Honestly – I’m probably still not healed – BUT – I’m better able to identify with, counsel and comfort other grieving mothers. My hope is that they see God’s strength and love in me.

I’ve been through a divorce, overwhelming debt and single parenthood. God was with me every step of the way. And I’ve still got a long way to go – BUT – now, I can look at the heart of people instead of condemning their choices. My prayer is that I can show other people in similar situations God’s love and promise.

Here is a challenge. Change your perspective from WHY to WHAT. Try using your sorrow to be someone else’s light. Let your pain and suffering show others that God rescued you and he is willing to do the same thing for them.

“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 received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4